Rajshahi witnessed a dramatic mix of jubilant celebrations and violent destruction following the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
As news of Hasina’s resignation spread on Monday, the city was alive with victory processions and cheers, but the festivities quickly gave way to widespread violence and arson.
The Rajshahi City Corporation building, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) headquarters, and several other key sites were vandalised and set ablaze. Among the affected locations were the Awami League party office, Rajshahi City Corporation mayor’s residence, and numerous other structures. Some of them looted furniture and goods from the Rajshahi City Corporation building, and fire spread to six vehicles under the RMP headquarters.
The unrest was sparked by ongoing anti-government protests, which have already seen tragic incidents. Earlier in the day, a student named Sabuj was killed during clashes between protestors and police. The violence at the Swatch Tower intersection resulted in 30 people being shot and more than 50 injured. In the aftermath, victory processions in Rajshahi were marred by violent attacks, including the bulldozing of the Awami League office and arson at several other sites. Posters of Awami League leaders were torn down and burned as the fire service struggled to contain the widespread damage.
Authorities have yet to provide a full account of the damages, and additional details from the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police remain unavailable.
