Bangladesh Hindus Protest Over Alleged Desecration of Lord Ram Image, Demand Resumption of Statue Project
Thousands of Hindus in Bangladesh staged torchlight marches and demonstrations across Dhaka on Friday, demanding action over the alleged desecration of an image of Lord Ram and calling for the resumption of construction work on a proposed Ram statue in the northern district of Gaibandha.
The protests erupted days after work on an 81-foot statue of Lord Ram in Palashbari was halted following opposition from Islamist groups and reported security threats. Demonstrators gathered at key locations in the capital, including Shahbagh and the National Press Club, raising religious slogans and accusing authorities of failing to take action against those allegedly involved in the desecration incident.
Hindu organisations claimed that an image of Lord Ram was insulted during protests against the statue project earlier this month. Despite complaints being lodged with police, community leaders alleged that no arrests had been made. Protesters demanded immediate action and warned of larger nationwide demonstrations if their demands were ignored.
Several Hindu groups, including the Hindu Mahajot, have announced further agitation programmes and are expected to submit a memorandum to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. In Rangpur, tensions briefly flared when police intervened during a protest march, leading to a minor confrontation.
The controversial statue project is being developed as part of a larger temple complex by the Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple committee. The plan includes an 81-foot statue of Lord Ram, a 50-foot statue of Lord Krishna and a 30-foot statue of Lord Shiva. Organisers say nearly 80 percent of the work has already been completed and the project is estimated to cost around 22 crore Bangladeshi taka.
Temple authorities said construction was suspended due to security concerns after threats were allegedly issued against workers and organisers. Committee members stressed that the decision was taken to prevent communal tensions and maintain peace in the area.
The controversy has once again brought attention to concerns over the safety and rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh, where Hindus constitute the largest minority community. Community leaders have long raised concerns about attacks on religious sites and incidents of communal violence, while rights groups continue to call for stronger protections for minorities.
With protest groups planning additional demonstrations in the coming days, the dispute over the Ram statue project is expected to remain a major social and political issue in Bangladesh.
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