Bangladesh halts construction of massive Lord Ram statue amid alleged extremist pressure
Dhaka, June 12
Bangladesh authorities have ordered the suspension of the construction of the world's largest statue of Lord Ram at the Sri Sri Radha Govinda and Kali Temple in Palashbari upazila of Gaibandha district, according to local media reports.
The announcement was made by temple advisor Shyamal Kumar Mahant during a press conference held at the temple auditorium on Thursday evening, Bangladeshi media reported.
The decision has sparked strong reactions, with critics alleging that the suspension came under pressure from Islamist groups opposed to the project.
Exiled Bangladeshi author and human rights activist Taslima Nasreen strongly condemned the threats, incitement, and hostile rhetoric surrounding the construction of the Ram temple, questioning why a single Hindu place of worship is being targeted in a country where several hundred thousand mosques exist and continue to be built.
Taking to her social media platform X, Nasreen said : "There are several hundred thousand mosques in Bangladesh, and new mosques continue to be built across the country. So why is there so much opposition to the construction of a single Ram temple or a statue of Lord Rama? If religious freedom is truly for everyone, then it should apply equally to minorities, not only to the majority."
"The threats, incitement, and hateful rhetoric directed against the Ram temple currently under construction in Palashbari, Gaibandha, are deeply concerning. No individual or group acquires the right to demolish another community's place of worship simply because they dislike it. In a state governed by the rule of law, religious disagreements are not resolved through violence or barbarism," she added.
Nasreen stressed that the situation is particularly troubling given Palashbari's history of attacks on Hindu temples and idol vandalism, which has left the Hindi minority community feeling vulnerable.
"Many Muslim-majority countries around the world-including Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Oman-have large Hindu temples. In those countries, the existence of temples is not viewed as a threat to the state. Why, then, is the construction of a single temple in Bangladesh being portrayed by some Muslims as an existential crisis?," Nasreen questioned.
Meanwhile, Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper 'Blitz also expressed grave concern over the halt of temple construction amid pressure from Islamist extremist groups.
"Amid massive protests of local jihadist and Islamist groups, authorities of the ongoing Sanatan Complex in Gaibandha district in Bangladesh have announced suspending all activities and stop building the idol of Lord Ram," Choudhary posted on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, this is a setback for religious harmony in the region. Bangladesh has a significant Hindu population, and they deserve equal rights. I hope the authorities reconsider and resist extremist pressure. Otherwise, it sets a dangerous precedent for minority rights everywhere.
While I understand the concerns about extremism, I think we should also respect Bangladesh's internal dynamics. India has its own challenges with religious tensions. We should approach this with empathy rather than anger. Let's hope dialogue prevails over hatred. 🤝
As someone from the West, this is alarming. Bangladesh has made strides in development, but such incidents show that extremism still threatens pluralism. Minority rights must be protected everywhere. Solidarity with Bangladeshi Hindus. 🇮🇳✊
I really hope the Bangladeshi government stands up to these extremist groups. If they can build mosques freely, why can't Hindus build a temple? This is pure double standards. I'm honestly heartbroken for the Hindu community there. 😔
This is not just about a statue—it's about the principle of equality. I appreciate Taslima Nasreen speaking out. We need more voices like hers in the region. India must diplomatically support Bangladesh's secular fabric without interfering. Jai Shri Ram 🙏
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