Gano Bhaban, the official residence of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina since 2010, witnessed an unabated and unprecedented mob rampage as people plundered the palatial abode at will. The once-secure official residence was ransacked, with video clips showing protesters looting her personal belongings, including her wardrobe, furniture, and other installations. Even her farm and animal stocks were taken away.
The looted items, including her sarees, blouses, undergarments, suitcases, and other private belongings, were put on display in a manner that many found almost obscene. This stark exhibition has sparked a debate among senior Bangladeshi experts and academics, who argued that the lavish residence reflects the economic disparity in the country.
The renovated residence of the ex-PM has survived several controversies and scrutiny. It also stands witness to the best and worst of the time of Sheikh Hasina and her family.
Six years ago, as a part of a small international media delegation, I had the opportunity to visit the PM’s residence. Back then, Sheikh Hasina was the undisputed and indomitable power of Bangladesh, a leader whose influence permeated every corner of the nation. Our delegation arrived at Gano Bhaban and was immediately struck by the fortress-like security. The entrance was equipped with all modern security apparatus, ensuring the safety of its esteemed residents.
Behind The Red Brick Walls
Behind the red-bricked walls of Gano Bhaban, Sheikh Hasina had everything she needed, but the Prime Minister’s Office was a few metres away. The estate housed a huge organic vegetable garden, sprawling fields, and a tranquil lake. There was a designated place to address party colleagues, thoughtfully covered with shades, and numerous cars at her disposal. Guest houses and smaller bungalows accommodated officers responsible for her security and those on special duty, ensuring they were always close at hand.
The Prime Minister’s Office and the Parliament are located around hundreds metres away from her residence. She not only got Banga Bhavan renovated fully before permanently moving in there in 2010, but she also brought a bill to ensure that Banga Bhavan always stays safe for the family members of Banga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Hasina hosted the wedding ceremonies of three victims of Dhaka Fire 2010, she also invited her main opponent and the leader of BNP, Khaleda Zia.
As we walked through the pebbled street leading to the main residence, we were greeted by beautifully landscaped gardens on either side, adding to the serene and picturesque environment. We passed a lush mango orchard, adding a touch of the countryside to this grand urban setting. Behind the red brick walls, it appeared a different place, a serene world.
The grounds also featured a small private zoo for birds, where exotic and native species could be seen fluttering about. A lake added to the charm, reflecting the peaceful surroundings and opulence. The fully functional agricultural field produced all organic vegetables including tonnes of onions, while fish ponds were used as reservoirs to stock live fish. She had a place for livestock as well.
The residence itself was a massive bungalow that showcased a harmonious blend of colonial and contemporary Bangladeshi architecture. It stood as a testament to the rich history and evolving modernity of Bangladesh. Inside, the visitors’ room was a sight to behold, designed to impress and welcome guests with its elegant decor and comfortable ambience. Hasina hosted crucial foreign delegations at the hallway, the walls adorned with life size portraits of her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, known as Banga Bandhu.
The then Prime Minister and her team of officers welcomed us. It was a warm atmosphere, not once, we felt stressed as we were about to interact with the Prime Minister of a country. She entered the room wearing her regular smile. Responding to the address as ‘madam’. she said, that many of us were Bengalis and so we should address her as “apa” (elder sister in Bangladeshi parlance). She was patiently sitting with us for over an hour and was ready to have a free-wheeling discussion, and she never minced words about the geo-political situation, her expectation from India.
When Hasina’s World Clashed With Reality
Walking through Gano Bhaban, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for the residence and its illustrious occupant. It was a visit that left a lasting impression, offering a glimpse into the life of one of Bangladesh’s most powerful figures.
Many Bangladesh experts and academics may argue that the resentment among people was fueled by the stark contrast between the lavish lifestyle of the political elite and the daily struggles of ordinary Bangladeshis. Her residence, its perimeter and outside locality also reflect the economic disparity of Dhaka.
The palace, with its luxurious amenities, has come to symbolise the broader issues of corruption, inequality, and misuse of power in the country. Allegations of corruption against Sheikh Hasina and other politicians often highlight how public funds have been misappropriated for personal gain, exacerbating public anger.
The recent rampages and looting can be seen as an expression of this deep-seated frustration and anger. For many, the act of storming the palace was a form of protest against systemic corruption and a demand for greater accountability and transparency from those in power.
However, the current scenes of chaos and destruction stand in stark contrast to the tranquility and order I witnessed during my visit, marking a poignant moment in the history of this once grand abode.
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