Those who initiated the "bulldozer culture" with laughter yet in a frenzy of rage must realize that no one will be spared from its venomous fangs in the course of transitional change. Sometimes one side will face the bulldozer, sometimes the other. Therefore, instead of a culture of destruction, we must establish a society based on love and compassion. This is the fundamental and eternal principle of civilization.
It is evident that bulldozer culture creates a vicious cycle of vengeance. Hence, rather than destruction, a call to build society on the foundation of love and empathy is undoubtedly timely. This is the true path to sustaining civilization and fostering humanity.
If any opportunistic group, as a bearer of bulldozer culture, attempts to demolish historically significant sites like Bangabandhu’s residence at 32 Dhanmondi, it is not merely an act of demolishing a building. Rather, it is a direct assault on the history of independence and the nation's identity. This is the ultimate manifestation of political vengeance, where attempts are made to distort history by erasing the traces of adversaries.
Across various countries, we have seen how political animosity leads to the destruction of historical structures. In the Middle East, ISIS has destroyed centuries-old heritage sites; in Afghanistan, the Bamiyan Buddhas were blown up; in India and Pakistan, violence erupted over mosques and temples. Bangladesh, too, has witnessed history-erasing measures to annihilate political opponents.
Against the culture of destruction, it is essential to build a society based on love, compassion, solidarity, and tolerance. The ideals of Sheikh Mujib, the leader of Bangladesh’s independence movement, also adhered to this principle—he emphasized national unity in the Liberation War of 1971.
History teaches us that those who wield the bulldozer of vengeance eventually fall victim to it themselves. To counter this, true believers in the spirit of the Liberation War must unite and bring forth the power of love, humanity, and truth.
The demolition of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic house at 32 Dhanmondi has caused deep shock in Bangladesh’s recent history. This act of destruction took place against the backdrop of the July mass uprising, with allegations that the government remained silently complicit.
Bangabandhu’s residence at 32 Dhanmondi is deeply intertwined with the history of Bangladesh’s independence. It is not just a building but a symbol of the nation’s struggle, sacrifice, and achievements. The demolition of this house represents an attempt by a particular group to erase a crucial chapter of history, creating profound social wounds. Such actions fuel division and hatred, posing a threat to social stability.
Destroying historical structures is akin to attacking a nation’s memory and identity. It is an act of revenge and intolerance, which directly opposes the values of empathy and coexistence. These actions accelerate the moral decay of society and highlight a crisis in values.
The demolition of Bangabandhu’s 32 Dhanmondi residence reminds us that a path of vengeance and destruction does not lead to progress but regression. Such actions must be condemned both socially and philosophically, and there must be increased awareness at all levels of society to prevent similar incidents in the future.
If this bulldozer culture continues, will the National Martyrs' Memorial, the Shaheed Minar, or even the Liberation War Museum be the next targets? Will we be able to halt this reckless desire for erasure?
The demolition of 32 Dhanmondi has drawn reactions from both state and socio-political analysts.
German-based media outlet Deutsche Welle reported that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house at 32 Dhanmondi had been demolished. Analysts were shocked by the government’s inaction despite prior announcements about the house’s significance.
On Thursday, the government issued a statement calling the destruction of 32 Dhanmondi “unfortunate and undesirable.” It claimed that public outrage had erupted following Sheikh Hasina’s provocative speech in India against the July uprising.
Firoz Ahmed, a member of the Constitutional Reform Commission, wrote on Facebook: "Whoever has done this, or incited it, must be held accountable by the Yunus government." He further noted that if a legitimate government exists, demolishing or vandalizing buildings is undoubtedly a criminal offense.
Ruhin Hossain Prince, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, stated: "The fallen autocrats show no remorse for such a massive uprising. They continue to incite violence from abroad. The government remains indifferent to ensuring justice for killings and other issues."
On Wednesday night, announced attacks were carried out on 32 Dhanmondi and other historical sites. "This is unfortunate, unacceptable. It appears as if there is no government in the country. The government cannot avoid this responsibility. We demand that the government take action," Prince added.
Journalist Masud Kamal commented: "What happened makes me question whether there is a government at all. If this had occurred right after August 5, I would have understood, as there was no government then. But now, six months later, there is a government—what have they done?" He continued: "People may have grievances, but when a government exists, it must play a role in ensuring security. If the government wanted these sites demolished, it should have been done legally, not through incitement of students."
Human rights activist Noor Khan told Deutsche Welle: "As a human rights activist, I am speechless. When people are overwhelmed with grief, they are left stunned." He expressed concern over the government's lack of initiative: "After August 5, there was a crisis, but now there is a government. What has happened is entirely unacceptable."
Advisor Mahfuz Alam wrote on Facebook: "We are combating regional and global hegemonies, not merely statues or buildings. Instead of destruction, we should focus on countering our enemies’ power with stronger ideas and strategies. We must move away from demolition projects and adopt constructive ones."
There is still time. Instead of resorting to destruction and violence, responsible authorities must ensure an impartial, acceptable, and factual legal process to hold the perpetrators of the July uprising accountable. If chaos is not eliminated, a proper electoral environment cannot be restored. And without a free and fair election soon, Bangladesh’s democracy will neither be upheld nor strengthened.
Author: Journalist
February 6, 2025