A sense of hope was earlier raised among the minority Hindus in Bangladesh that their interests and well-being would be protected by the new regime in Dhaka under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman which took office about five months ago. However, these hopes now seem dashed due to a recent development pertaining to Hindus when the construction of a large statue of the Hindu God Ram in northern Bangladesh has been suspended following days of tension and protests by local Islamic groups, reigniting the debate on religious freedom and the space reserved for minorities in Bangladesh.

The statue was under construction within the Sri Sri Radha Govinda and Kali temple complex in Palashbari, in the district of Gaibandha. According to the organizers, it could have become one of the largest statues dedicated to Ram in Asia, a symbol of the religious and cultural identity of the local Hindu community in this continent, giving immense pride to Hindus all over. However, on June 18, the temple committee suddenly announced the suspension of work apparently because as Bangladeshis, they believed in peaceful coexistence among people of all religions. In order to preserve social harmony, the Hindus decided to temporarily stall the project.

However, this was probably under the pressure of the authorities as well as hardcore Islamic elements who are seen as intolerants and possibly bigots. The decision came following growing mobilization by the Imam Ulama Parishad, an organization bringing together all Muslim religious leaders from the area. In recent days, the group has held demonstrations and human chains along the Dhaka-Rangpur motorway, calling not only for the suspension of work but for the complete removal of the structure. They........

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