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Dhaka Sees Massive Hindu Protests After Lord Ram Image Desecration Row
Protesters demanded arrests and protection for religious sites after a shoe was placed on a Lord Ram image and an 81-foot statue project was halted.
On Friday, thousands of Hindus marched through Dhaka, protesting the alleged desecration of a Lord Ram image and demanding immediate government action. Protesters moved from Shahbagh Square to the National Press Club, calling for arrests of those responsible.
Construction of an 81-foot-tall Lord Ram statue in Palashbari, Gaibandha, was halted following threats from Islamist groups. Nearly 80 per cent of the project, overseen by the Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple, was already complete before the suspension.
Organisers issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government regarding an incident where individuals allegedly placed a shoe on an image of Lord Ram. Protesters described this as deeply offensive, calling for stronger protection of religious symbols.
These developments renewed concerns regarding the safety of religious minorities, who constitute around 8 per cent of the population in Bangladesh. Reports indicate more than 130 incidents of communal violence occurred during the first three months of the year.
Demonstrators announced they will submit a memorandum to the Ministry of Religious Affairs if the 72-hour deadline passes without action. Although a case was reportedly registered following the protests, authorities have made no arrests so far.