The army on Monday intervened to stop two bulldozers from entering Dhanmondi-32, saying that no such action can be permitted under the country’s existing laws.

Around noon, two bulldozers were brought to the area on trucks, with several young men seen chanting slogans atop the vehicles. Security forces quickly cordoned off House 32, deploying army personnel around the site to prevent any attempt at demolition or disorder.

A man identifying himself as Nahid Hasan, convener of the July Smriti Sangrakkhan Parishad, told reporters, “The last time Sheikh Hasina fled after giving her first speech, we were the ones who broke Dhanmondi 32. We couldn’t finish the job then. As the verdict against Sheikh Hasina is being delivered today, we expect this verdict to end the politics of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League once and for all.”

This is not the first time such attempts have been made at the historic residence. On 5 February this year, a bulldozer and an excavator arrived late at night and partially demolished the structure. Earlier, on 5 August last year, in the aftermath of the fall of the Awami League government, the house was set ablaze by crowds of students and activists.

As the verdict in the crimes against humanity case related to the July uprising is due to be announced today, tensions remain high around the country.