Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Saturday refused Hefajat-e Islam’s demand for removal of all the sculptures saying the sculptures supporting spirit of the Liberation War and heritage will not removed under any circumstances.
“The sculptures carrying heritage and upholding spirit of the Liberation War will not be removed. Rather such type of sculpture will be set up by the government,” he made the remarks while briefing to reporters in Narayanganj.
Quader, also the minister of road transport and bridges, said there is no similarity between the sculptures showing the spirit of the Liberation War and the statue of Lady Justice.
“So, our government is on the inflexible stance against the demand of Hefajat-e-Islam to remove all sculptures in the country,” Quader said responding to a question.
Hefajat and some other Islamist outfits yesterday demanded the authorities take down all statues across the country. The Hefajat also claimed that the removal of the statue of Lady Justice was the “primary victory of the just movement by the people”.
Responding BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s allegation that the prime minister has forced to bow her head down, Quader said, “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s daughter does not do it before anyone except Allah.”
Quader said there is no question about the statue of the Lady Justice but its location is a matter of concern as the country's main Eid jamaat (congregation) holds there.