Tension in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 32 area reached a breaking point on Monday after the International Crimes Tribunal delivered its verdict against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a crimes against humanity case.
From morning until evening, the area turned into a battleground as clashes, chases, counter-chases, and the detonation of more than 100 sound grenades rocked the neighbourhood.
At least 50 people, including police and army personnel, were reported injured.
Morning tensions escalate
Crowds of agitated students and residents began gathering at the site of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s demolished house from early morning, threatening to tear down what remains of the structure.
Tensions spiked around 11am when protesters arrived with two excavators. Police intervened, triggering clashes that intensified from around 12:45pm and continued intermittently for hours.
Army units and additional law enforcement were deployed later to regain control.
As of 6:30pm, when this report was filed, the situation remained volatile.
Police and army members stood guard till Metro Shopping Mall, while protesters occupied Kalabagan, Panthapath, Jigatola, and the Dhanmondi Lake area.
Anger erupts after verdict
The tribunal’s verdict, announced shortly after noon, further inflamed the crowd.
Protesters regrouped around Dhanmondi 32 and attempted to break through police obstacles, prompting fresh clashes.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, law enforcement fired rounds of tear gas and sound grenades.
Traffic was suspended as barricades were placed across Dhanmondi 32, Mirpur Road, Kalabagan, and surrounding streets.
Panic at Square Hospital
Around 4:30pm, the situation was most intense near Square Hospital. Continuous explosions from sound grenades and crude bombs triggered panic among patients, staff, and relatives.
Hospital gates were shut before evening for safety, leaving many family members stranded outside.
Sumaiya Afrin, whose relative Hasan Faruk is admitted, said: “The noise outside is terrifying. My uncle inside is scared too. I couldn’t enter for a long time because the gates were closed.”
Fear also gripped nearby residential areas, where people watched from rooftops and windows but avoided coming out onto the streets.
Army deployed, but protesters hold ground
Hundreds of protesters in Kalabagan and surrounding streets attempted to break police barricades while chanting “fake, fake.”
Despite the army’s presence, the crowds repeatedly regrouped.
Protesters gathered from Dhanmondi 27 to the Kalabagan bus stand, but were unable to advance due to heavy military deployment.
Hundreds more gathered in residential lanes west of Dhanmondi 32, stretching the clashes across the wider area.
Protesters said they would not leave until Sheikh Mujib’s house was demolished.
Injuries rise as evening deepens
Explosions continued after 6:30pm across Dhanmondi 32, Mirpur Road, Kalabagan, and Panthapath.
At least 50 people were reported injured, though protesters said the actual number could be higher.
A law enforcement official said anonymously: “Many protesters are refusing to leave. Even after sound grenades and tear gas, they keep moving to nearby streets.”
Dhanmondi comes to a halt
The unrest brought Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, Square Hospital, New Market, Mirpur Road, and the road stretch from 27 to 32 to a complete standstill.
Roads were blocked with barricades, burnt wood, and piles of bricks.
With traffic halted for hours on these major arteries, severe gridlock spread across adjoining neighbourhoods and much of the city.
