2024 sculptures and murals vandalism in Bangladesh

When the quota reform movement intensified and transformed into an anti-government movement, on August 5, 2024, the then-head of government, Sheikh Hasina, left for India, resulting in the ousting of the Awami League from power. Following this, throughout the country, statues and murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh and the central ideological figure of the Awami League—and other historical figures associated with Awami League politics were dismantled and destroyed. Even busts and sculptures of individuals not involved in Awami League politics, such as the renowned artist Zainul Abedin, and sculptures like that of the Venus, were also vandalized. Between August 5 and August 14, a total of 1,494 statues, relief sculptures (images engraved on walls using ceramic or terracotta to create a raised appearance), murals, and monuments across 59 districts were vandalized, set on fire, or uprooted. In 15 locations across the Dhaka metropolitan area, more than 122 sculptures, murals, and relief sculptures were vandalized, set on fire, and uprooted. Seven full-figure statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were destroyed. Out of a total of 1,492, the breakdown of vandalized, uprooted, and burned sculptures, relief sculptures, murals, and monuments is as follows: 273 in Dhaka Division, 204 in Chittagong Division, 166 in Rajshahi, 479 in Khulna, 100 in Barishal, 129 in Rangpur, 49 in Sylhet, and 92 in Mymensingh Division.

Incidents

On August 5, the Mritunjay sculpture, depicting historical movements and the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was destroyed. The sculpture titled Guard of Honor of April 17 was recklessly attacked, and the smaller sculptures inside the memorial complex, depicting scenes from the Liberation War across 11 sectors, were demolished. The sculpture portraying the surrender of the Pakistani occupation forces was also shattered. Humayun Ahmed, an Ansar member responsible for the complex, informed the media that 600 sculptures were destroyed and looted during the attack. Furthermore, several individuals set fire to the historic residence of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi 32, and the sculpture of the eminent artist Zainul Abedin at Zainul Park in Mymensingh was also vandalized. During the attack and vandalism at the historic house at Dhanmondi 32, two murals of Bangabandhu were damaged. The sculpture titled Shadhinota Songram by artist Shamim Shikder at Palashi intersection, along with over a hundred small and large sculptures, was vandalized, leaving only five intact. According to Prothom Alo, bust sculptures of poets, writers, revolutionaries, politicians, and scientists from home and abroad—such as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Yasser Arafat, Jagadish Chandra Bose, and Lalon—were destroyed. The sculpture named Duronto at the Shishu Academy premises was burned. The statue of the Greek goddess Themis, installed in front of the extended wing of the Supreme Court’s High Court Division and the mural titled Smriti Chiranjib were vandalized. The sculpture of the Venus, situated at the center of the fountain in Shoshi lodge, Mymensingh city, has been demolished. The murals of Bangabandhu at Rajshahi University, Comilla University, along with those at other universities, were vandalized.In Khulna, two sculptures of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were completely demolished. On the afternoon of August 7, everything at the Liberation War memorial center named Palashi theke Dhanmondi was destroyed. After August 5, sculptures at three locations in Gazipur were vandalized. The relief sculpture of the seven Bir Sreshthos was also attacked. In Sylhet, over 12 murals located at Shahjalal University, MC College, the District Council office, and the District Commissioner's office were destroyed. In Narshingdi, a sculpture named Torgoni was set ablaze. The banned Islamist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir demolished the sculpture Deepto Shopoth, built in memory of the police officers killed during the 2016 militant attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan. The female figure in the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University was forcibly adorned with a hijab.

Reactions

Muhammad Yunus

In an interview with The Print, when Muhammad Yunus was asked about his opinion regarding the vandalism of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s statues, he told the host,

It has demonstrated what the people feel about Hasina. What Hasina has done for herself and her father has led to this outcome. She has brought this damage upon herself. This is not the fault of the youth; it is Sheikh Hasina’s mistake.

Hamiduzzaman Khan

Regarding the vandalism of sculptures and murals, the eminent sculptor of the country, Hamiduzzaman Khan, told Prothom Alo,

I’m extremely sad and overwhelmed. This should not have happened. There should be no such incident again. Hopefully, the restoration works will start soon.

Kader Siddique

Freedom fighter and politician, Kader Siddique visited the Liberation War Museum two days after the attack on the museum and stated:

I should have died before watching the way they destroyed and burned the house at Road 32. Of course, the Awami League did many wrongs. But Sheikh Mujib didn't do anything. This destruction done today will be a dark chapter in the history of Bengalis. Bangabandhu will remain alive (in people’s hearts) for ages. He will be respected forever. Those perpetrators will be booked one day or the other.