Thousands of Hindus took to the streets of Dhaka on Friday, 20 June, carrying torches and chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' in protest against the alleged desecration of an image of Lord Ram by a radical Islamist group in the Gaibandha district of Bangladesh, according to local media reports. The demonstrations follow the suspension of construction of what was to be the world's tallest statue of Lord Ram at the Sri Sri Radha Govinda and Kali Temple in Palashbari upazila, adding fresh fuel to communal tensions in the country.

What Triggered the Protests

The unrest intensified after an Islamist group allegedly desecrated a portrait of Lord Ram during a demonstration opposing the proposed statue in Gaibandha district, under the Rangpur division. Protesters allege that the image was struck with shoes — an act widely regarded as deeply offensive to the Hindu community. Earlier in the week, students from Dhaka University organised a torchlight procession and rally to condemn the incident and demand immediate arrests.

Construction Suspended Amid Pressure

Bangladeshi authorities ordered a halt to the construction of what was projected to be the world's largest statue of Lord Ram, a decision announced by temple advisor Shyamal Kumar Mahant at a press conference held at the temple auditorium. Critics allege the suspension was made under pressure from Islamist groups opposed to the project, though no official explanation citing such pressure has been confirmed. The construction remains on hold as of the time of reporting.

Voices From the Ground

Ram Prasad Saha Topu, social welfare secretary of the Jagannath Hall Students' Union, addressed protesters and described Lord Ram as one of Hinduism's most revered deities. The Daily Star, Bangladesh's leading English-language newspaper, quoted him as saying: 'Recently, one extremist group spread rumors involving Lord Ram, and then another extremist group hit the image of our revered deity with shoes. These acts have hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community.' He added: 'We want people of all religions and communities to live in harmony. But a certain group is trying to create division among us, and that force must be resisted.'

Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper Blitz, posted on social media platform X that Hindus in Bangladesh had 'for the first time vowed to fight back,' describing the torch marches as a direct response to what he called 'the recent notoriety of Islamists' against the Sanatan Complex in Gaibandha.

Institutional Response and Demands

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council strongly condemned both the desecration of Lord Ram's image and threats made against the idol at the Radha-Gobinda Temple in Palashbari upazila. The council called on the Bangladeshi government to take 'immediate and effective measures' to curb communal forces and demanded the arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible. Protesters across multiple cities have similarly declared their intent to expand demonstrations nationwide until action is taken.

Broader Context

This comes amid a pattern of reported incidents targeting religious minorities in Bangladesh that have drawn condemnation from Hindu organisations both domestically and internationally. The Gaibandha episode is among the most visible flashpoints in recent months, with the combination of a stalled temple project and alleged desecration sharpening community grievances. How the Bangladeshi government responds to the Unity Council's demands is expected to determine whether the protests escalate further.