February 5 marks another "tragic black day" for Bangladesh: Ekattorer Prohori

The North American social platform “Ekattorer Prohori” has strongly condemned the demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence at Dhanmondi 32.

A statement was issued on behalf of the organization by 44 expatriates, including freedom fighters, artists, organizers, professors, lawyers, and activists on Friday.

In the statement, they described February 5 as another "tragic black day" for the democracy-loving people of Bangladesh.

The signatories said that the historic Dhanmondi 32 residence, deeply intertwined with Bangladesh’s liberation history and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s long political career, has been attacked for the second time.

They added that the remaining parts of the fire-ravaged house were destroyed that day.

The statement further said: "In a similar manner, all of Bangabandhu’s monuments and plaques across Bangladesh have been destroyed, and even the homes of his political followers have been demolished."

The expatriates expressed their deep grief and outrage, saying that as the demolition of Dhanmondi 32 was broadcast live online in Bangladesh, they — along with countless Bangladeshis worldwide — watched in sorrow from New York.

They described this incident as a dire warning for the country’s existence, comparing it to the dark days of the 1971 Liberation War.

In response to the crisis, the signatories urged all political parties, artists, writers, journalists, intellectuals, and conscious citizens who believe in the ideals of the Liberation War to unite in defence of Bangladesh’s independence and democratic values.