Dhaka
Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) attacked and vandalized the homes of two Awami League leaders in Sylhet, escalating political tensions in the country.
According to police, a mob linked to BNP’s Chhatra Dal stormed the residence of former MP Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel, damaging CCTV cameras and a laptop. Witnesses reported that the attackers arrived on 70-80 motorbikes. Meanwhile, former Mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury’s house was also ransacked, with furniture and valuables destroyed.
Authorities responded to both incidents but have yet to make any arrests. Jalalabad Police Station Officer-in-Charge Harunur Rashid confirmed that enraged students and locals were involved. Reports also suggest that caretakers in Anwaruzzaman’s home were mistreated during the attack.
Political violence against Awami League leaders has been rising since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. In August 2024, The Dhaka Tribune reported that at least 20 Awami League leaders and their family members were killed.
Last month, a violent mob raided Awami League leader Tanvir Imam’s residence in Dhaka, searching for alleged hidden weapons and cash but found nothing.
In February, protestors vandalized the home of Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, during a live address by his daughter, Sheikh Hasina.
Human rights organizations have warned that mob violence and lawlessness have increased under Muhammad Yunus' interim government.