Student Protests in Dhaka: Ministry Building Damaged and Vehicles Destroyed

In Dhaka, Bangladesh, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, located in the Setu Bhaban building in Mohakhali, was severely damaged during recent student-led protests. The protests, which began against the government’s quota system, escalated into a larger movement.

Angry students set fire to the ministry building and vandalized government property, including vehicles worth Taka 65 crore. The destroyed vehicles included 57 cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, minibuses, and motorcycles used for ministry operations.

The Setu Bhaban building is now a charred and uninhabitable structure. Ministry officials are fearful of entering the damaged building and are forced to work from makeshift setups outside.

Leading Bangladesh publication Prothom Alo reported that several hundred miscreants stormed into the Setu Bhaban on July 18, vandalized it, set it on fire, and looted government property. They also vandalized many vehicles, motorbikes, ransacked different sheds and rooms, and beat many employees.

Sheikh Hasina left the country for New Delhi on August 5 after stepping down as Prime Minister. An interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in on Thursday.