Protests by members of Bangladesh’s Hindu community intensified across the country on Saturday following allegations that an image of Lord Ram was allegedly desecrated during demonstrations opposing the construction of a proposed statue of the Hindu deity in northern Bangladesh.
Thousands of protesters allegedly gathered in Dhaka and several other locations, demanding the arrest of those allegedly involved in the incident and calling on authorities to ensure protection for religious minorities. Demonstrators were reported to have allegedly carried torches, chanted religious slogans, and accused authorities of allegedly failing to respond swiftly.
Protests allegedly spread across multiple regions
The demonstrations, which reportedly began earlier this week, have allegedly expanded into a wider movement involving students, religious organisations and minority rights groups. Protest marches and torchlight rallies were allegedly organised in several districts, with participants expressing anger over what they described as an alleged attack on religious sentiments.
Also Read: Dehradun Violence: Communal clashes after man killed over water dispute, bulldozer action follows
Hindu community leaders allegedly said the protests would continue until those allegedly responsible for the incident are identified and brought to justice.
Incident allegedly linked to proposed Ram statue dispute
The controversy is centred on an incident that allegedly took place in Palashbari in Gaibandha district, where opponents of a proposed 81-foot statue of Lord Ram are alleged to have desecrated an image of the deity during a protest against the project, according to a NDTV report.
Hindu organisations have alleged that the act deeply hurt religious sentiments and triggered widespread outrage among members of the community. The statue proposal itself has allegedly faced opposition from some groups, contributing to rising tensions in the area.
Student and community organisations allegedly leading agitation
Student organisations are alleged to have played a key role in mobilising protests, with demonstrations reportedly gaining momentum on university campuses before allegedly spreading to other parts of the country.
Also Read: Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over airport incident
Several Hindu organisations, including the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad, have allegedly joined the protests and demanded stronger safeguards for minority communities, as well as action against those allegedly responsible for the incident.
The protests come against the backdrop of longstanding concerns raised by minority groups regarding alleged attacks on temples, alleged incidents of desecration, and alleged violence targeting religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Rights organisations and community groups have previously alleged that minorities face periodic insecurity, while the government has maintained that it remains committed to preserving communal harmony and addressing incidents involving religious communities.
(With inputs from TOI)
