Overview
- Protesters led by Hindu Mahajot and student groups held large torchlight marches in Dhaka and other districts, with organisers issuing a 72-hour deadline for arrests.
- They say the unrest was triggered by an alleged incident in Gaibandha where a mob reportedly desecrated a picture of Lord Ram and threatened workers on an 81-foot statue project.
- Temple committee officials halted the statue construction, which they say was nearly 80% complete and financed at about 22 crore taka, citing threats to workers and a need to preserve public order.
- A criminal case has been filed over the alleged desecration but reporters say no arrests have been made and authorities have not publicly announced decisive action in response to the ultimatum.
- Community leaders frame the protests as part of a wider pattern of attacks and intimidation against Hindus in Bangladesh and warn that failure to act could deepen communal tensions and spur further nationwide mobilisation.