Rangamati, May 20 (V7N) – After a continuous four-day effort, "Anti-Fascist Students and Public" in Rangamati successfully demolished the statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Tuesday evening. Activists had been attempting to remove the statue using various tools, including iron hammers and drill machines, for the past four days.
Ultimately, they managed to break through the marble stone base of the statue with drill machines, cut the iron rods, and then used an excavator to pull the entire structure down. Curious onlookers rushed to the scene to witness the final moments of the demolition.
Background to the Demolition
Previously, on May 14th, activists had encircled the Rangamati Hill District Council office, demanding the removal of the statue, which was constructed with funding from the council. They met with the chairman and all council members, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for its removal.
Despite an additional 12-hour extension, the District Council authorities reportedly took no initiative. Consequently, on Friday (May 16th) afternoon, the "Anti-Fascist Students and Public of Rangamati" began dismantling the statue located in the Server Station area of Rangamati district town. A protest procession commenced from Vedvedi Bazar at 3 PM that day, with a group of agitated individuals gathering in front of the Server Station under the banner of "Anti-Fascist Students and Public." Demolition efforts began after 5 PM. Activists stated that they undertook the initiative to remove the statue themselves only after contacting the District Council and all relevant parties.
Construction and Cost
It is noteworthy that the Rangamati Hill District Council initiated the construction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's statue in the Vedvedi Server area of Rangamati district town in 2012, following the formation of the Awami League government in 2009. Although construction proceeded in phases from 2012 until around 2020, some work reportedly remained incomplete. While initial reports suggested an expenditure of 4 crore taka in the first phase, followed by another 7 crore taka, the District Council authorities currently cannot provide clear information regarding the total cost.

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