Lord Ram Row in Bangladesh: Hindu Students Call for Massive Protest Over Alleged Insult

Dhaka: There is tremendous resentment among Hindu students and people in Bangladesh. The matter is about the misbehaviour with the idol of Lord Ram. The students allege that a few days ago a mob misbehaved with the idol of Ram ji and hurt religious sentiments. There is going to be a big demonstration on the streets of Dhaka on Friday in protest against this.

How did this controversy start?

Student organisations say that the idol of Lord Ram was damaged a few days ago. The Hindu community is not considering it as just breaking a stone idol. For them this is an attack on their faith. People say that when religious symbols are insulted then how will there be peace in the society? This is where the anger erupted.

What did the students say to the government?

Students took out a torch-carrying procession at Dhaka University on Tuesday night. The government was given 72 hours to raise slogans. The demand was only one – catch the culprits and give them severe punishment. The students clearly said that if nothing is done by the deadline, they will take to the streets on Friday. There will be a big movement.

Where will the protest be held on Friday?

Hindu student organisations have announced that people will gather at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka on Friday afternoon. Shahbag is considered a big place of protest in Bangladesh. According to the organisers, apart from students, social workers and common people will also come in large numbers. The crowd can be huge.

What do Hindu organisations have to say?

Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council has expressed grief over the incident. The people of the council are saying that insulting Lord Ram means insulting the entire society. He has demanded from the government that the culprits should be caught soon and strict action should be taken as per law. Silence will not suffice.

What are the students afraid of?

Leaders of Bangladesh Chhatra Ekta Parishad is saying that attacks on minorities have increased in the last few years. If this is not stopped even now, there may be further divisions in the society. Everyone is afraid of breaking the brotherhood. Students feel that sitting silently will increase their courage.

What happened to the 81-foot Ram idol?

Another thing that people are angry about. An 81-foot-high statue of Lord Ram was being built in Bangladesh. The work has now stopped. The reason given is that some fundamentalist groups protested and threatened. Hindu organisations are worried as to why there is a ban on making statues.

Will the pressure on the government increase?

Experts believe that Friday's protest will shake the government. Now everyone is watching what the government does and how far the investigation reaches. If immediate action is not taken, the matter may reach the international level. The image of Bangladesh will also be affected. At present the atmosphere in Dhaka is hot. Everyone's eyes will be on Shahbagh on Friday.