India, Feb. 6 -- India on Thursday condemned the destruction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's historic residence in Dhaka by a mob, and said the building had an important role in the "national consciousness of Bangladesh" and for those who valued the neighbouring country's freedom struggle.

Rahman's residence in the heart of Dhaka, where he was assassinated with seven members of his family in August 1975, was brought down by a massive mob using a crane and a bulldozer. The interim government in Dhaka sought to blame Rahman's daughter, former premier Sheikh Hasina who is in self-exile in India, for the demolition by saying people were offended by a "provocative speech" she made on Wednesday night.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir...