Dhaka, July 26– Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina witnessed firsthand the extensive damage inflicted on the Bangladesh Television (BTV) center in Rampura by saboteurs during the recent quota reform movement. Visiting the site on Friday morning, the Prime Minister toured the charred remains of the reception area, canteen, and several vehicles set ablaze on Thursday, July 18, around 2 pm.

During her visit, Director General of BTV, Jahangir Alam, briefed the Prime Minister on the extent of the destruction. "The miscreants set fire to the BTV center, burning numerous items including cameras, and looted much of our equipment," he said. "They burned 17 of our cars, vandalized 9 others, and destroyed two broadcasting vans. The fire also caused extensive damage to the building."

BTV officials, many in tears, described the rampage to the Prime Minister, who was visibly moved by the scenes of devastation. Senior officials, including General Manager Mahfuza Akhtar, were present, and a video of the vandalism was shown to Sheikh Hasina, further highlighting the extent of the destruction.

The Prime Minister comforted the emotional BTV staff, particularly General Manager Mahfuza Akhtar. Accompanying her were Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Cabinet Secretary Md. Mahbub Hossain, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Mohammad Tofazzal Hossain Mia, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Humayun Kabir Khandkar, and Prime Minister's speechwriter M. Nazrul Islam.

Earlier on Thursday morning, Sheikh Hasina also visited the damaged metro rail station at the Mirpur-10 roundabout. She expressed her outrage and disbelief over the destruction of public infrastructure intended to improve the lives of Dhaka's residents. "What kind of mentality leads to the destruction of structures that ease people's lives?" she asked reporters. "Although Dhaka is plagued by traffic, the metro has provided much-needed relief. I cannot accept the senseless destruction of these modern, technologically advanced metro stations."

The Prime Minister's visit underscored the government's commitment to restoring the damaged infrastructure and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.