In a startling incident that has triggered widespread debate, a group identifying themselves as Touhidi Janata demolished a Liberation War monument in Rajapur town on Tuesday afternoon and installed in its place a sculpture of the Holy Quran. The event took place in front of Rajapur Police Station and the local Press Club, in full public view and without any recorded attempt at intervention.
Witnesses reported that leaders and activists from multiple Islamist groups gathered under the Touhidi Janata banner and physically dismantled the sculpture commemorating the 1971 Liberation War. Immediately afterward, a new installation featuring a representation of the Quran was erected, and the area was declared Quran Chattar (Quran Square). Chants demanding the “honor of Allah’s Word” echoed through the crowd.
Speaking at the scene, Master Md. Zahidul Islam, president of the Rajapur chapter of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, stated,
“With the July Uprising, the statue built by the Awami League regime has been removed permanently. In its place stands a symbol of the Quran. We thank the officers of the police station and press club for their support.”
Master Md. Kabir Hossain, Rajapur Upazila Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, added,
“The days ahead belong to Islam. The days ahead belong to the Quran. Today’s installation is a step toward a Quranic Bangladesh. All Islamic parties will unite to contest the next election for Islam. It will be a choice between Islam and anti-Islam.”
The incident has raised serious questions regarding legality, religious politicization, and state oversight. Members of the local civil society and political observers have expressed mixed reactions. Many are asking whether the monument’s demolition and replacement occurred with official permission.
No administrative statement has yet been issued by the Jhalokathi district administration or Rajapur police at the time of this report. The silence has further intensified public confusion and concern.
The demolition of a Liberation War monument—an emblem of national history and unity—and its replacement with a religious symbol signals a growing trend of ideological assertion that many fear could deepen political and communal divides in Bangladesh.
