Four miscreants were arrested on Sunday for their involvement in vandalism on the sculpture of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Kushtia on early Saturday.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Sunday said two local madrasa students vandalised the under-construction sculpture of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Kushtia.
The home minister vowed that none will be allowed to create instability in the country over the sculpture issue.
He made this remark while addressing reporters at his secretariat office in Dhaka.
He said four persons, including the two students were arrested in connection with the incident.
Analysts say the fanatics who shouted slogans “We’ll be Taliban, Bangladesh will be Afghan” after the rise of Taliban in the central Asian country are behind the vandalism on Bangabandhu’s sculpture.
They suggest tough action against the vandals to uproot the communal force from secular Bangladesh.
The analysts say the fanatics do not follow the Islam that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) preached as a religion of peace.
Home Minister further said, “Two students of Ibne Masud Madrasa damaged the sculpture of the Bangabandhu. We have identified them as Abu Bakar and Nahid.”
Meanwhile, ruling Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said stern punitive actions will be taken against those who vandalised an under-construction sculpture of Bangabandhu in Kushtia, BSS adds.
“Vandalism of Bangabandhu’s sculpture is a grave offence that cannot be pardoned in any way. Those involved in the incident will be exposed to stern punitive actions by scrutinising the CCTV footage,” he added.
The minister said the government “will not spare” any derogatory comments, speeches and behaviours conflicting with the country’s Constitution and laws.
He said an extreme communal force is making evil attempts to create religious turmoil centering a settled issue of the country’s history.
Defamation of sculpture of the Bangabandhu, who is the architect of independent Bangladesh, is a severe blow to the root of the country’s spirit, he added.
“The display and preservation of Bangabandhu’s portrait is a constitutionally statutory matter. So, defamation of Bangabandhu’s sculpture is tantamount to defamation of the Constitution,” he said.
The minister gave a note of warning to the communal forces, saying “Enough is enough… stop now. Bangabandhu means the country’s existence and independence, Bangabandhu means Bangladesh and its Constitution. Defamation of Bangabandhu’s sculpture is tantamount to defamation of the Liberation War and its sprit”.
The minister also strongly condemned the vandalism of a part of ‘Madhu Da’s sculpture on the premises of Madhu’s canteen on Dhaka University campus.
“Don’t go beyond the limit of our patience. We still keep our leaders and workers in control. If you again cross your limits, Awami League leaders and workers will not stay home,” he said, threatening the communal forces.
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said stern punitive actions will be taken against those who vandalized an under-construction sculpture of Bangabandhu in Kushtia.
“Vandalism of Bangabandhu’s sculpture is a grave offence that cannot be pardoned in any way. Those who are involved in the incident will be exposed to stern punitive actions by scrutinising the CCTV footage,” he said.
Quader was addressing an extended meeting of Narsingdi district unit of AL, joining it through a videoconferencing from his official residence on parliament premises in Dhaka.
Quader said thousands of people got agitated over the incident of vandalism of Bangabandhu’s sculpture.
“We can perceive the emotions of the people. Awami League doesn’t carry out attack on anyone deliberately. But if it becomes the victim of attack, it will not show any mercy in building strong resistance against the attackers,” he said.
Calling upon the pro-liberation forces to be united against the communal evil forces, he said Bangladesh had attained independence through the unified blood-shade of people irrespective of religions.
“We cannot let the country’s independence become hostage to any community or group,” he said.
