Minority rights organisation urges immediate action after alleged desecration of Lord Rama’s image
June 15, 2026: A leading minority rights organisation in Bangladesh has condemned the alleged desecration of an image of Lord Rama and threats against a Ram idol at the Radha-Gobinda Temple in Palashbari, Gaibandha district. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council claimed the incident took place during a procession organised by a communal group and said it had deeply hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community. The organisation warned that repeated attacks on religious symbols and minority communities could increase communal tensions if authorities fail to respond promptly.
In a statement, the council alleged that a known communal organisation had recently threatened to demolish the idol of Lord Sri Ramachandra at the temple and had been spreading anti-minority messages in Dhaka and other parts of the country. Describing the alleged desecration and threats as provocative and inflammatory, the council said such actions were unacceptable in a democratic and pluralistic society. It called on the government to take immediate steps to identify those responsible and ensure strict punishment to maintain social harmony.
The controversy comes amid concerns over the suspension of a major religious project in Palashbari. Authorities had earlier halted construction of a proposed giant Lord Rama statue at the Sri Sri Radha Govinda and Kali Temple, which was expected to become the world’s largest Ram statue. Temple adviser Shyamal Kumar Mahant announced the suspension last week, a decision that critics claim was influenced by pressure from Islamist groups. Journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury also expressed concern, alleging that protests by local Islamist organisations contributed to the suspension of the Sanatan Complex and the planned Lord Rama idol project.