Dhanmondi-32: Fire Service Drains Water, Finds Debris Amid ‘Ayna Ghor’ Rumors

Staff Reporter

Extremists fueled rumors about the existence of an “Ayna Ghor” (House of Mirrors) beneath a new construction site next to Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi-32, a site central to Bangladesh’s independence history. On Sunday, fire service teams began draining water from the building’s basement, following the rumors that surfaced on Saturday.

The water removal operation concluded at 2 p.m. today, February 9, with no evidence supporting the rumors. Fire service personnel, using pumping equipment, extracted water from the basement while hundreds of onlookers gathered, capturing videos in hopes of uncovering something extraordinary.

Instead, the operation revealed only dirt, broken bricks, and debris, with no signs of anything suspicious. Fire service officials have yet to release an official statement regarding the findings.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing water being pumped from the basement and drained into Dhanmondi Lake. Three fire service units were deployed for the operation.

Sazzad Hossain, a private employee, expressed disappointment after traveling from Wari to witness the rumored “Ayna Ghor.” He said, “I skipped work to see this, but there’s nothing but garbage here.”

Another visitor, Akheruzzaman, criticized the baseless rumors, stating, “People are spreading unfounded gossip. There’s nothing here worth talking about.”

The incident follows an extremist group’s vandalism at the Dhanmondi-32 Bangabandhu Bhaban gate last Wednesday. During the chaos, the group discovered a basement under the adjacent construction site, leading to speculation about hidden floors and the so-called “Ayna Ghor.” Fire service teams drained the basement water in response to the public intrigue, only to debunk the rumors.