Amid concerns about religious intolerance, protests have escalated in Bangladesh following the alleged desecration of an image of Lord Ram by radical Islamists. The incident occurred during a demonstration against the construction of a statue of the deity in Gaibandha district. Thousands of Hindus in Dhaka marched with torches, demanding action against those responsible for the desecration.
Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, editor of Bangladeshi newspaper Blitz, highlighted the protest on social media, where Hindus in Bangladesh chanted “Jai Shri Ram” to oppose the recent actions of Islamists. The suspension of the proposed statue’s construction at Sri Sri Radha Govinda and Kali Temple in Gaibandha district has led to tensions, with critics claiming it was influenced by Islamist groups.
The decision to halt construction of the world’s largest Lord Ram statue sparked criticism and accusations of pressure from opposing Islamist factions. In response, Dhaka University students organized a rally condemning the desecration of Lord Ram’s image and demanding the arrest and punishment of those involved. The protesters emphasized the need for communal harmony and unity among different religious groups.
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council strongly condemned the desecration and threats against the idol of Lord Ram at Radha-Gobinda Temple. The council urged the government to take swift action against those responsible to maintain communal harmony and social stability at local and national levels. They called for the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators of religious insults.
