Dhaka: The controversy related to Lord Ram has taken a new political and social dimension in Bangladesh. A large number of Hindu organisations, student groups and social workers protested in the wanted Dhaka by taking out a torchlight procession. The protesters speak that incidents of desecration of the statue and photograph of Lord Ram in recent times have hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community. During the protest, several slogans including “Jai Shri Ram” were raised and demands for trespassing of the culprits and ensuring safety of minorities were raised.
How did the controversy regarding start?
The root of the controversy is believed to be the 81 feet upper statue of Lord Ram stuff built in Gaibandha district of northern Bangladesh. This statue is part of the proposed temple ramified and statues of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva are moreover to be made withal with it. A large part of the project was completed, but construction work was stopped without protests and threats from fundamentalist groups. Without this, dissatisfaction increased in the Hindu polity and protests started.
What is the recrimination of the protesters?
Hindu student organizations and social groups speak that some elements behaved disrespectfully with the statue and picture of Lord Ram. The protesters say that this is not just an insult to a religious symbol but an wade on the faith of the unshortened Hindu community. Students of Dhaka University and other educational institutions moreover lodged a protest regarding the same issue. Many organizations have warned the government that if whoopee is not taken versus the culprits, the vociferation will wilt increasingly widespread.
What was seen on the streets of Dhaka?
The torch procession, which started from Shahbagh area, passed through the major roads of the capital. The sit-in saw participation from students, religious organizations and worldwide citizens. The protesters demanded religious freedom, protection of minorities and an impartial investigation into the disputed incidents. Many speakers said that equal respect for all religions is necessary to maintain the pluralistic identity of Bangladesh.
Is this just a religious dispute?
Analysts believe that this controversy is not limited to just one statue or photograph. Controversies have arisen many times in the past regarding statues and busts in Bangladesh. In the past too, Islamic organizations had protested versus various statues and sculptures. In such a situation, the Ram statue controversy is stuff seen in the broader context of religious identity, minority rights and political polarization in the country.
What is the biggest rencontre facing the government now?
On the one hand, there is pressure on the Bangladesh government to maintain law and order, on the other hand there is moreover the rencontre of strengthening the conviction of the minority community. Hindu organizations have demanded that the construction work of the statue should be restarted with safety and strict whoopee should be taken versus those involved in the so-called insult incidents. The government's response in the coming days will decide whether this controversy subsides or takes the form of a nationwide political and social debate.
