Thousands of Hindus in Bangladesh staged large protests in Dhaka on Friday after the alleged desecration of an image of Bhagwan Ram by Islamist activists. The demonstrations were also linked to the suspension of an 81-foot-tall Lord Ram statue project in northern Bangladesh following threats from radical groups. Protesters demanded immediate action against those responsible and raised concerns about the safety and rights of religious minorities in the country.

The protests took place at several locations in the capital. A torchlight procession was held in Dhaka, where participants chanted "Jai Shri Ram" and called for the arrest of those allegedly involved in the desecration. The demonstrations were organised by various Hindu groups and community members.

The controversy began earlier this month when an image of Bhagwan Ram was allegedly insulted during a demonstration in Gaibandha district. Protesters claimed that members of an Islamist mob placed a shoe on the image of the Hindu deity, an act that triggered outrage within the Hindu community across Bangladesh.

Although a case has been filed regarding the incident, no arrests have been made so far. This has led to growing frustration among community leaders and activists. On Friday, members of the Hindu Mahajot, along with students and supporters, gathered at the Shahbagh intersection before marching towards the National Press Club. The organisation also formed a human chain outside the Press Club, while another group held a separate protest near the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) building.

In Rangpur, tensions briefly rose when police stopped a planned Hindu demonstration, leading to a minor scuffle between protesters and authorities. Despite the disruption, the protests continued peacefully in several other areas.

The demonstrators accused the Tarique Rahman-led government of failing to act against those responsible for the alleged desecration. Community leaders issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding arrests. They warned that if their demands were not met, further rallies and demonstrations would be organised across the country. Protest organisers also announced plans to submit a memorandum to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Saturday.

The Hindu Mahajot further stated that if authorities do not allow the Ram statue project to continue, the community would respond by building Ram temples in all 64 districts of Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the National Committee for Puja Celebrations has announced a nationwide protest programme, indicating that the agitation is likely to continue.

At the centre of the dispute is the construction of a massive Bhagwan Ram statue at Palashbari in the northern Gaibandha district. The statue is being developed as part of a larger temple complex under the supervision of the Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple committee. According to project organisers, nearly 80 percent of the work has already been completed.

The temple complex is estimated to cost around 22 crore Bangladeshi taka, which is approximately Rs 15.6 crore. Apart from the Ram statue, the project also includes a planned 50-foot statue of Bhagwan Krishna and a 30-foot statue of Bhagwan Shiva.

However, work on the project was halted after threats were reportedly issued by Islamist groups. Organisers said those involved in the construction began receiving warnings, creating fear among workers and community members. Reports also claimed that a radical Islamic preacher threatened to demolish the statue using a bulldozer.

Speaking to the media, Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple committee president Haridas Chandra Das explained the reason behind suspending the project. He said, "We are scared, and in fear and out of fear, we have kept the work suspended." Das also appealed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to intervene. He described the statue as a tribute to one of the most important figures in Sanatan Dharma.

The temple committee also released an official statement explaining its decision. Adviser Shyamlal Kumar Mahanta said the suspension was necessary to avoid further tensions. The statement read, "We are stopping this work to maintain law and order and communal harmony. We do not want to become the cause of any dispute, nor do we wish to hurt anyone's religious sentiments."

The latest developments have once again highlighted concerns about the condition of religious minorities in Muslim-majority Bangladesh. Hindus form the country's largest minority community and account for around eight per cent of the population.

The issue comes at a time when reports of attacks and intimidation against Hindus have increased following the political changes that took place during the previous Muhammad Yunus administration. Although Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has repeatedly stated that every citizen has the right to practice their religion freely, concerns remain among minority communities.

In his first national address after taking office in February, Rahman emphasised religious freedom and inclusion. He stated that religion was a personal matter, while the country belonged to all its citizens. Despite these assurances, official figures show that around 133 incidents of communal violence were recorded across Bangladesh between January 1 and March 31 this year, raising continued concerns over communal harmony and minority safety.