2025 Bulldozer March
| Part of 2024 Bangladesh post-resignation violence | |
Mechanical demolition of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on 5 February 2025 | |
| Date | 5–6 February 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location | Dhaka and various districts of Bangladesh |
| Participants |
|
| Outcome | Destruction of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and properties associated with the Awami League |
The Bulldozer March was a coordinated series of mechanical demolitions and protests across Bangladesh on 5 and 6 February 2025. The events were primarily aimed at the former residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and various properties belonging to members of the Awami League, which was later officially banned in May 2025 for its role in crimes against humanity.[1]
The march was a direct reaction to an online address by Sheikh Hasina, the fugitive former Prime Minister who was sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 for her role in the 2024 massacres.[2]
Background
Following the Resignation of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, the interim government began legal proceedings against the former leadership for human rights abuses. On 5 February 2025, Hasina delivered a social media address from India, challenging the legitimacy of the interim government. This address was widely condemned by student leaders and the interim government as an attempt to incite "counter-revolutionary" violence.[3]
Events
Demolition of Dhanmondi 32
In Dhaka, activists led by the Inqilab Moncho and coordinators from the Students Against Discrimination movement organized a "Bulldozer Procession." Using heavy machinery, including excavators and cranes, protesters systematically leveled the three-story residence on Dhanmondi Road 32. Participants characterized the site as a symbol of "fascism" and the former regime's "cult of personality."[4]
Nationwide expansion
The "Bulldozer March" expanded beyond the capital to several districts:
- Noakhali: The residence of Obaidul Quader, the then-General Secretary of the Awami League, was vandalized and set on fire.[5]
- Jamalpur: The home of a local leader associated with the Jamalpur District Awami League was targeted.
- Khulna and Sylhet: Structures linked to the Sheikh family and party offices were demolished or defaced by mobs using hammers and construction tools.[6]
Aftermath
Following the march, the Detective Branch (DB) of the police detained several individuals for questioning regarding suspected "seditious conspiracy" and links to the former regime's efforts to destabilize the transition. Among those picked up was actor and filmmaker Meher Afroz Shaon, whose father was a senior member of the Jamalpur Awami League; she was released after interrogation.[7]
In May 2025, the interim government officially banned the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing evidence of systematic crimes against humanity committed during its tenure.[1] In November 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) found Sheikh Hasina guilty of ordering mass killings during the 2024 uprising and sentenced her to death by hanging.[2]
See also
References
- ^ a b "World Report 2026: Bangladesh". Human Rights Watch. 3 February 2026. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b "The exiled Awami League members plotting a political comeback". The Guardian. 3 February 2026. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ "Responsibilities of 5, 6 Feb incidents largely falls on interim govt". Prothom Alo. 7 February 2025. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ "Mujib's Dhanmondi 32 house burnt, demolished". The Business Standard. 6 February 2025. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ "Quader's Noakhali house vandalized, set ablaze". Dhaka Tribune. 6 February 2025. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ "Curious crowd flocks to Dhanmondi 32, construction materials looted". bdnews24.com. 7 February 2025. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ "Actor Meher Afroz Shaon arrested in Dhanmondi". bdnews24.com. 6 February 2025. Retrieved 9 February 2026.