Extremists Destroy Farmer’s Sculpture in Sunamganj, Sparking Local Outrage

Local Correspondent

A sculpture named “Krishan Chattar,” depicting a farmer with a sickle in hand and a plow on his shoulder, was vandalized by extremists in Bishwambharpur, Sunamganj. The artwork, symbolizing the agrarian heritage of Bangladesh’s 68,000 villages, was demolished under the cover of darkness, angering local residents.

The sculpture, erected by the Upazila administration at Chalband Point on the Sunamganj-Bishwambharpur road, was inaugurated on February 23, 2022. It had become a landmark for tourists visiting the region’s attractions, including Tanguar Haor, Jadukata River, and Shaheed Siraj Lake.

Locals fear that other sculptures, including those at Palash Bazaar and the famous “Boal Chattar,” may also become targets. The destruction follows a similar incident on Thursday night, when extremists vandalized murals of the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, near the Upazila Parishad.

Videos circulating on social media show individuals smashing the farmer’s sculpture with hammers while chanting slogans such as “Shahjalal’s sword, rise again” and “Allahu Akbar.” They also shouted anti-government slogans targeting the Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

A local teacher, speaking anonymously, questioned the motive behind the attack, stating, “What fault did this sculpture have? How is it related to politics?” Residents expressed confusion over why political slogans were chanted against a piece of art that bore no political symbolism.

The incidents have heightened concerns among locals about the safety of public monuments and the rising influence of extremist ideologies in the area.