On Sunday afternoon, Dhanmondi 32, the residence of Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, became the scene of a minor commotion that led to the detention of two individuals, including a faculty member of Dhaka University (DU).
Professor A K M Jamal Uddin of the university’s Department of Sociology had gone to the historic residence to pay his respects. According to reports, the incident occurred at approximately 4:45 pm, shortly after the professor’s arrival, when a crowd gathered at the site and tensions escalated. Police officers from Dhanmondi Thana intervened, detaining Professor Jamal Uddin along with a woman who had travelled from Comilla.
Earlier in the day, Professor Jamal Uddin had announced his plans to visit Dhanmondi 32 via his social media account. In a post on Facebook, he stated:
“I will be visiting the historic residence of the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to pay homage and offer my respects at 4 pm today. I invite everyone to join in groups.”
Despite the announcement, the situation at the site quickly became unsettled. Footage circulating on social media shows that as Professor Jamal Uddin arrived, a section of the crowd engaged in disorderly behaviour, prompting police to step in and restore order. Authorities confirmed that both the professor and the woman from Comilla were taken to Dhanmondi police station for questioning.
Details of Detainees
| Name | Affiliation / Identity | Place of Origin | Time of Detention |
|---|---|---|---|
| A K M Jamal Uddin | Professor, Department of Sociology, Dhaka University | Dhaka | 15 February, 4:45 pm |
| Female Detainee | Visitor from Comilla | Comilla | 15 February, 4:45 pm |
Local sources report that the police acted promptly to manage the crowd, prevent further escalation, and ensure the safety of individuals present at the site. While the authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the ongoing investigation, they have emphasised that the detention was a precautionary measure to maintain public order.
Observers have noted that gatherings at Dhanmondi 32 often attract significant attention, given the historical significance of the location. Political analysts and civil society members have expressed hope that future commemorations at the site can proceed peacefully, without disturbances. Meanwhile, the event has sparked debate on social media, with many discussing the role of public figures in organising such gatherings and the responsibilities of law enforcement to maintain safety.
As of the evening, both detainees remained at the police station, with authorities conducting formal inquiries. The incident underscores the challenges of balancing public homage to historical figures with ensuring security and public order in densely populated urban areas like Dhanmondi.
