Participant Admits Responsibility for July 18 BTV Building Arson-Vandalism-Takeover Attempt

Staff Correspondent | June 26, 2025

A direct participant in last year’s violent protests has publicly admitted responsibility for breaking the main gate of state-owned Bangladesh Television in Rampura, setting vehicles on fire, and attempting to seize the broadcasting control room on July 18, 2024.

On his Facebook page, Mohammad Shafiqur Rahman wrote: “On July 18, 2024, I, Md. Shafiqur Rahman, was the first to break Gate No. 3 of Rampura BTV and enter. I set fire to and burned a microbus parked inside. My intention was to capture the control room and declare victory to the nation, to give people courage. If the government doesn’t declare July 18 as an official day, I will occupy the BTV building again, Insha Allah.”

His post included the license plate number of the burned vehicle: 151757.

The confession has sparked intense reactions on social media, with many commenting, “If these acts were premeditated, this was no ordinary protest.”

What began as a student-led quota reform movement gradually transformed into violent anti-government demonstrations. Many participants are now speaking out following the government’s ouster.

One protester revealed, “Everyone was angry, but not everyone set fires. Certain individuals escalated the situation.”

Security analysts note such open confessions are significant for understanding the motives behind the protests.

A police officer dismissed by the Yunus government, speaking anonymously, stated, “The Facebook confessor could face legal consequences. Voluntary admission of arson at BTV provides crucial investigative leads.”

Law enforcement agencies have yet to issue any official statement regarding the matter.