Case sought against Yunus, Asif Nazrul, 25 others over Dhanmondi 32 attack

A petition has been filed in a Dhaka court seeking a case against former interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, former Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and 25 others over the alleged attack, vandalism and arson at the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32.

The petition was submitted by Tamanna Chowdhury Priyanka before Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jewel Rana on Thursday (August 20).

After recording the complainant’s statement, the court kept its order pending, said plaintiff’s lawyer A K M Sharif Uddin.

Among the other 25 people named in the petition are former interim government adviser Rezwana Hasan, former Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, former Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, former Culture Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam, spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, former adviser Mahfuj Alam and NCP leaders Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah, Abdul Hannan Masud, Sarjis Alam, Samantha Sharmin, Nusrat Tabassum, Tasnim Jara, Nasiruddin Patwari, Ariful Islam Adib and Saleh Uddin Sifat.

The petition also names online activists and political commentators Pinaki Bhattacharya, Elias Hossain and Kanak Sarwar, along with several others.

According to the complaint, on Feburary 5, 2025, the accused allegedly instigated, supported or facilitated a large group of 3,000-5,000 people who attacked the historic residence at Dhanmondi 32 armed with sticks, hammers, incendiary substances and other weapons.

The complaint claimed that the attackers entered the premises at around 10pm, vandalised the building, set it on fire and looted documents, books, records and other valuables, including materials related to the Liberation War. Heavy machinery, including bulldozers and excavators, was allegedly brought in to demolish the building, which was largely destroyed by the following afternoon.

The complainant further alleged that some of the accused used Facebook and YouTube livestreams to encourage the attack and the removal of documents and other materials from the building, while others allegedly provided financial support.

The complaint also alleges that despite prior announcements of the planned attack, those responsible for protecting the property failed to take preventive measures.

The court's decision on whether to accept the case will determine the next legal step in the matter.