Image Credit: DelwarHossain
Bangladesh’s Jatiya Party HQ Torched Amid Anti-Hasina Protests
Amid escalating tensions in Dhaka, the headquarters of the Jatiya Party, part of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s coalition, was set on fire and vandalized on Thursday night.
The violence unfolded as anti-Hasina protesters clashed in the Kakrail area of central Dhaka, leading to significant damage to the Jatiya Party’s offices. Witnesses reported vandalism and the defacing of party symbols, including a portrait of the late founder, President Hussain Muhammad Ershad.
“We Will Not Permit the Jatiya Party to Hold Any Rallies”
Clashes erupted after protesters, affiliated with the Chhatra Sramik Janata movement, marched past the Jatiya Party’s office in a torch procession. Firefighters responded swiftly to contain the blaze as police and military were deployed to control the escalating unrest. According to protest leaders, “We were passing the Jatiya Party office in a torch procession when members of the Jatiya Party threw bricks at us from the roof.” A leader of the Gono Audhikar Parishad added that they would not permit the Jatiya Party to hold rallies, accusing them of aligning with the ruling Awami League in past elections.
Rising Political Tensions Following Hasina’s Departure
The recent incident follows months of political upheaval that saw Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted after protests, flee to India. The violent protests had led to significant casualties, with over 600 reported dead in clashes. An interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, took office after Hasina’s departure.
The Jatiya Party, previously part of Hasina’s Grand Alliance coalition, is expected to issue an official statement in response to the attack.
