The demolition work on the “Anjali Laho Mor” sculpture on the Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University premises at Trishal in Mymensingh has been suspended in the face of massive protests from students and cultural activists.
The demolition of the sculpture, which began on Tuesday, sparked widespread outrage on social media.
The move came on Thursday following instructions from the university administration, sources said.
Prof Dr Md. Jahangir Alam, vice-chancellor of the university, took the decision during an online meeting with its deans. To this effect, a meeting will be held next Sunday.
Meanwhile, a significant portion of the sculpture has already been torn down before the halt to its demolition.
Inspired by the song “Anjali Laho Mor” by Kazi Nazrul Islam, renowned sculptor Manindra Pal designed the sculpture, which was set up on a pond bank near the university’s administrative building.
After the change in the administration following the mass uprising on August 5 last year, the university authorities came under pressure from some students to remove the sculpture.
The sculpture was not part of the original beautification plan. It was constructed based on the former VC’s personal decision.
Speaking at a human chain, Jenas Bhowmik, a former student of the Department of Law and Justice, said those who damaged this state asset should be brought to book.
He demanded that the sculpture should be renovated as per the previous design.
Students formed the human chain beside the partially demolished sculpture, condemning attacks on cultural expression and calling for its preservation.
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders said they have not raised any demand for demolition of the sculpture.
Besides, 121 poets and writers have issued statements, protesting and condemning the demolition of the sculpture.
