Rangamati, May 16 (V7N) – Tension escalated in Rangamati on Friday afternoon as protesters under the banner of the Anti-Fascist Student Janata began demolishing the statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, located in front of the Upazila Parishad office in Rangamati city.

The action followed a 48-hour ultimatum issued earlier by the group demanding the removal of the statue, which they described as a “symbol of fascism.” With no official response from the local administration, the protesters proceeded to dismantle the statue themselves.

The day’s protest began with a march titled 'March Against the Fascist Icon', starting from Bhedbhedi Bazar in the city. The procession halted near the server station, where a three-hour sit-in was observed.

Protesters initially used iron rods and hammers to damage the statue. As the demonstration intensified, they brought in drill machines to accelerate the demolition process.

Speaking to the media, Imam Hossain Emu, a member of the National Citizens Party (NCP) Search Committee, said:

“There is no statue or sculpture of a fascist anywhere else in the country, but we have one in Rangamati. We’ve been urging the administration for the past nine months to remove it. Despite repeated promises, no action was taken. Three days ago, we gave a final 48-hour ultimatum. As they ignored us, today the entire student community has taken the matter into their own hands.”

As of Friday evening, there was no immediate statement from the Rangamati district administration regarding the incident. However, the situation remains tense, and law enforcement agencies are expected to respond to prevent further escalation.

This development comes amid broader political unrest in various regions, with increasing confrontations between protest groups and the interim administration over issues of historical legacy, political identity, and public space.

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