Activists demand arrest of those threatening to demolish Bangabandhu’s sculpture

An organisation called Bangabandhu Foundation has demanded the immediate arrest of those who threatened to vandalise the sculpture of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

They also urged the government to install statues of national leaders in notable places across the country to inform the future generation of the history of Bangladesh.

The organisation placed the demands at a human chain and protest rally against threats of vandalising statues of Bangabandhu and incidents of rape across the country.

The organisation's President Mashiur Malek said, "A sculpture is not an idol. Sculptures are symbols of a country's history and tradition. A country's saga of pride is presented to future generations through sculptures and images depicting national leaders, heroes and the struggles of that country."

He further said, "A country's sculptures uphold the tradition of a country for generations.  Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is a symbol of national unity. Bangladesh became independent through his struggle."

"So, sculptures of all national leaders, including the Father of the Nation, must be installed in significant places across the country in the interest of preserving history," he added.

Malek said that those who opposed the independence of the country are now aiding those who are opposing the installation of the sculptures of Bangabandhu and threatening to demolish them in the name of Islam.

The organisation's Organisational Secretary Nurul Amin Shahin said, "Those who opposed the country's independence have started a nationwide conspiracy at a time when the country's government is progressing economically ahead of India amid the global pandemic. They are trying to spread religious hatred across the country in an organised way."

The organisation's Vice-President Abdul Khalek Mia, Joint Secretary Rashida Haque, Publicity Secretary Shakil Khan and other members of the organisation also participated in the programme.

Recently, the government decided to erect a sculpture of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Dholaipar Mor in the southern part of Dhaka city. Later, this month a number of Islamic organisations, including Islami Andolon Bangladesh, termed the sculpture an "idol" and threatened to stop its construction.