Draft: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.^[1][2] 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 Greek goddess 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.^[3] 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 Chattogram Division, 166 in Rajshahi, 479 in Khulna, 100 in Barishal, 129 in Rangpur, 49 in Sylhet, and 92 in Mymensingh Division.^[3]

On August 5, the Mritunjay sculpture, depicting historical movements and the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was destroyed.^[4] 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.^[5] Humayun Ahmed, an Ansar member responsible for the complex, informed the media that 600 sculptures were destroyed and looted during the attack.^[5][6] Furthermore, several individuals set fire to the historic residence of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi 32^[5], and the sculpture of the eminent artist Zainul Abedin at Zainul Park in Mymensingh was also vandalized.^[5][7][8] 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, was uprooted.^[3] The sculpture of the Greek goddess Venus, situated at the center of the fountain in Shoshilodge, Mymensingh city, has been demolished.^[9] The murals of Bangabandhu at Rajshahi University, along with those at other universities, were vandalized.^[10] 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 From 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.^[3][11]

In an interview with The Print, when Dr. 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.^[12]

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

I am deeply saddened and heavy-hearted. Such incidents should not have occurred. I hope such events will not happen again. I expect restoration work to begin promptly.^[3]