Members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh organised a torchlight procession in Dhaka on Friday to protest against the alleged desecration of a statue of Lord Ram in Gaibandha district. Protesters demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and warned of further demonstrations if action is not taken.

Participants issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the authorities, stating that they would submit a memorandum to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Sunday if no arrests are made. They also announced plans for additional rallies and meetings, including seeking an audience with the Prime Minister.

Torchlight Procession Held in Dhaka

Beginning at 5 pm, members of various Hindu organisations assembled at the Shahbagh intersection in the capital. Students from several universities also joined the gathering.

The procession was organised in response to the alleged desecration of a statue of Lord Ram at Palashbari in the northern district of Gaibandha. Protesters said the incident amounted to an insult to their faith.

The march proceeded from Shahbagh intersection through Shahbagh square and continued towards the National Press Club via Motshobhaban. Participants chanted “Jai Shri Ram” and other slogans during the procession.

Allegations Linked to Ram Temple Construction in Gaibandha

According to members of the Hindu community, construction work was underway in Palashbari to build a Ram temple and an 81-foot-tall statue of Lord Ram.

They alleged that unrest created by extremist groups led to the suspension of the project and that shoes were thrown at the statue, which they described as an affront to Hindu religious sentiments.

Community leaders said a case had been filed in connection with the incident, but expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of arrests. They demanded immediate action against those involved.

Protesters also declared that Ram temples would be established across all 64 districts of Bangladesh in the coming years.

Separate Demonstrations Organised by Hindu Groups

Apart from the evening torchlight procession, two separate protest programmes were held in Dhaka on Friday morning under the banner of different factions of the Hindu Mahajot.

One group organised a human chain in front of the National Press Club, while another held a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity to condemn the alleged insult to Lord Ram.

Meanwhile, the National Committee for Puja Celebrations announced a nationwide protest programme scheduled for Saturday in response to the incident.

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