Key takeaways:

• Protesters in Bangladesh have demolished the home of independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, sparking outrage.
• The violence was triggered by a speech from ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile.
• Supporters of the former government have faced violent reprisals, leading to widespread vandalism across the nation.
• The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has vowed to take firm action against the violence.
• Bangladesh's relationship with India has been strained amid criticism of Hasina’s remarks from Indian territory.

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — In a shocking display of unrest, thousands of protesters in Bangladesh have attacked and destroyed the historic home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a site that symbolizes the nation's independence from Pakistan. The incident occurred as the country grapples with the political fallout from the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India last August following mass protests that saw over 1,000 deaths during her tenure.

The attack on Rahman's residence, which was converted into a museum by Hasina, was instigated by a fiery speech she delivered online from exile, calling her supporters to stand against the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Protesters branded the house a "symbol of fascism," and their actions were part of a wider "bulldozer procession" campaign fueled by social media, escalating unrest that has already seen violence targeting Hasina's party members and supporters.

As protests intensified, many sectors of the country experienced coordinated attacks against properties linked to Hasina's Awami League party. Mobs armed with sticks and other tools marched toward political figures' residences, while law enforcement's response was criticized for insufficient intervention. Reports indicated that at least 70 additional incidents of violence occurred nationwide following the attack on Rahman's home.

The Yunus-led interim government condemned the destruction of Rahman's residence and committed to quelling further acts of vandalism. In a statement, they expressed deep concern about the rising violence aimed at Hasina’s supporters and warned of stern actions to maintain public order and safety.

Meanwhile, India's response to the violence has been one of condemnation. The Indian Foreign Ministry highlighted Rahman's former house as a significant site of national identity, calling the destruction an act of vandalism that should be strongly denounced. Officials in Bangladesh expressed alarm over the potential for these violent trends to undermine the prospects for democratic governance, with calls for immediate actions to restore order.

Amid these tensions, former Prime Minister Hasina remains vocal, claiming that while structures may be razed, history cannot be erased. She urged her followers to resist the "unconstitutional" advance of the Yunus government. The political landscape remains fraught as the country prepares for a precarious election cycle, with the interim government promising to hold elections by mid-2026. The ripple effects of recent chaos have raised questions about the stability and future of Bangladesh's democracy, as outlined by analyses of political dynamics and public sentiment towards both past and present leadership.

For further details, refer to the original articles from AP News, Al Jazeera, Reuters, and India Times.