Construction of Asia’s largest Ram statue in Gaibandha suspended over funding row and communal harmony concerns.

DHAKA: The construction of an ambitious 82-foot-tall Lord Ram statue project in northern Bangladesh’s Gaibandha district has been temporarily suspended following intense opposition from local Islamic hardliner groups. The project, which was being built within the premises of the prominent Sri Sri Radha Gobind and Kali Temple complex in Palashbari upazila, had been promoted as the largest Ram statue in Asia.

Tensions Halt Local Project

The temple committee formally announced the suspension during a press briefing held at the temple premises, citing a growing necessity to maintain local law and order and preserve social harmony. The decision followed days of escalating tension and demonstrations, including human chains formed along the crucial Dhaka-Rangpur highway by hardline organisations. Local reports indicate that the situation had become increasingly polarized over the last week.

Funding Transparency Questioned

The Imam-Ulema Council and other fundamentalist groups have spearheaded the protests, questioning the financial origins of the multi-crore project. The construction, which began in early 2025 through private financing, is estimated to cost over ₹17 crore.

Opposing factions have formally demanded that national intelligence agencies launch a thorough investigation into the bank accounts and properties of the initiative's organizers, alleging potential foreign government funding. Hardline leaders claimed the scale of the structure threatened regional sovereignty and caused "concern and insecurity" among the majority population.

Calls For Total Demolition

Beyond a temporary halt, the protesting groups are now demanding a complete cancellation of the project and the demolition of the incomplete 82-foot concrete structure. The Imam-Ulema Council has also pressured local authorities to institute a blanket ban on similar large-scale non-Islamic religious installations in the future.

"We believe in peaceful coexistence," said Shyamal Kumar Mahanta, an adviser to the temple committee, during the press brief. He explained that the suspension was an internal choice to de-escalate regional friction, adding that they are open to discussions with all stakeholders to resolve misunderstandings.

Existing Complex Architecture

The Sri Sri Radha Gobind and Kali Temple complex is already a major religious hub in the region, housing more than 100 deities. The premises notably feature a 30-foot Shiva statue and a 53-foot Krishna statue, which were completed prior to the current wave of friction. The Ram statue was intended to be the central attraction of a broader temple development initiative.

Pattern of Minority Friction

The halt in Gaibandha marks the third major Hindu religious project to face severe disruptions in Bangladesh within the last two years. In 2025, a makeshift Durga temple in the Khilket area of Dhaka was razed by authorities following intense pressure from local extremist groups, drawing sharp diplomatic criticism from India. Earlier, in 2024, the venue for a traditional Durga Puja idol installation in Dhaka’s Uttara sector had to be shifted overnight due to public objections.

Rising Human Rights Concerns

According to data compiled by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, minority communities have faced an unprecedented wave of targeting since the political transition in August 2024.

The council documented a staggering 2,839 attacks on minorities across the country over a two-year window. The statistics show 2,010 incidents occurring in the immediate aftermath of the regime change between August 4 and August 20, 2024. This was followed by 522 recorded incidents in 2025, and another 133 incidents in the first three months of 2026 alone. These figures comprise more than 100 documented murders, widespread vandalism of temples, land grabbing, and arson.

Vigilance Increased on Ground

While the atmosphere in Palashbari remains calm but uneasy following the announcement, local law enforcement authorities have significantly stepped up patrolling and intelligence monitoring around the temple complex. Security officials stated that no unauthorized gatherings would be permitted near the site to prevent further communal escalation as discussions between local administration and community leaders continue.

The Nepal Elections 2026 have triggered a dramatic political shift in the Himalayan nation, with rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah and his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) moving closer to securing a historic two-thirds majority in parliament.

As vote counting continues, early results suggest the RSP is dominating the electoral landscape, leaving traditional political parties far behind. The outcome could reshape Nepal’s political future and potentially pave the way for Shah to become the country’s next prime minister.

Historic Political Shift in Nepal

The Nepal Elections 2026 appear to be marking a rare moment in the country’s political history. Nepal’s complex two-tier electoral system usually prevents any single party from gaining overwhelming control of parliament.

However, preliminary figures indicate that the Rastriya Swatantra Party has already secured around 124–125 seats out of 165 under the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system.

In comparison, other major parties are far behind:

• Nepali Congress: 17 seats

• CPN-UML: 8 seats

• Nepali Communist Party: 7 seats

• Other parties combined: 5 seats

Political analysts say this outcome signals growing public frustration with traditional political leadership and a desire for new faces in governance.

Balen Shah Defeats Former PM KP Sharma Oli

One of the most significant moments of the Nepal Elections 2026 came when Balen Shah, 35, defeated former prime minister KP Sharma Oli in Jhapa-5, a constituency long considered Oli’s political stronghold.

The victory is being described by observers as symbolic of a generational shift in Nepal’s politics.

Shah first gained nationwide attention as the mayor of Kathmandu and later emerged as a prominent reform-focused political leader. His campaign focused on governance reforms, anti-corruption measures, and youth participation in politics.

With his party now dominating the vote count, Shah is widely expected to emerge as Nepal’s next prime minister if the final results confirm the trend.

Counting Still Underway

Despite the strong showing by RSP, the Nepal Elections 2026 counting process is still ongoing.

According to the Election Commission:

• Results for 164 of the 165 FPTP seats have been declared.

• Counting of votes under the Proportional Representation (PR) system is still in progress.

• Over 10.3 million PR votes have already been counted.

• Around 500,000 to 600,000 votes are yet to be tallied.

Election Commission information officer Suman Ghimire said the vote counting is likely to conclude by Tuesday evening, though the final official results may take up to four days to be formally announced.

International Reactions Begin

The developments in the Nepal Elections 2026 have already drawn attention from global leaders.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Balen Shah and RSP leaders after early results showed the party heading toward a major victory. Modi reportedly held a “warm telephone conversation” with Shah and RSP chairman Rabi Lamichhane to extend his congratulations.

Experts say the election outcome could influence regional diplomatic relations and economic cooperation in South Asia.

What Lies Ahead for Nepal

If the Rastriya Swatantra Party ultimately secures a two-thirds majority, it would give the government significant legislative power, enabling major constitutional or policy reforms.

For former PM KP Sharma Oli and his party CPN-UML, the defeat has triggered calls for internal reform. Party leaders have already hinted at possible reorganisation and leadership changes following what they described as a “serious setback.”

As the Nepal Elections 2026 counting nears completion, all eyes are now on whether Balen Shah’s party will officially cross the two-thirds threshold and usher in a new political era in Nepal.

Bangladesh Election 2026: Nation Awaits Results After High-Stakes Poll

The Bangladesh Election 2026 concluded on Thursday with a voter turnout of 47.91%, according to the Election Commission. Counting is currently underway across nearly 36,000 polling stations, and official results are expected later tonight.

This marks the first parliamentary election since the 2024 political uprising and is being seen as a defining moment for the country’s democratic future. More than 12.7 crore registered voters were eligible to vote, with nearly half aged between 18 and 37 — highlighting strong youth participation.

Chief Adviser Mohammed Yunus, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman cast their ballots earlier in the day.

Heavy Security and Sporadic Violence Reported

Over 300,000 security personnel, including army and police, were deployed nationwide to maintain order during the Bangladesh Election 2026.

Despite tight arrangements, the day witnessed sporadic violence and allegations of irregularities:

 A BNP leader died in Khulna after clashes.

 Bomb explosions were reported in Munshiganj and Gopalganj.

 Several polling agents were allegedly attacked or removed.

 Fake voting attempts were caught on CCTV in Valuka.

 At least four deaths were reported due to clashes and medical emergencies.

Election officials temporarily halted voting at certain centres before resuming operations.

The UN had earlier warned about misinformation and rising political tensions ahead of polling day.

Political Reactions: Claims and Counterclaims

The Bangladesh Election 2026 has intensified political rhetoric:

 Tarique Rahman (BNP) urged swift declaration of results, warning against delays.

 Jamaat-e-Islami demanded postponement in select constituencies citing irregularities.

 The interim government led by Mohammed Yunus called the election a “new beginning” for Bangladesh.

 The European Union Election Observation Mission termed it a “big day for democracy.”

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated it would wait for official results before assessing the mandate.

Youth and Women Voters Take Centre Stage

One of the most notable aspects of the Bangladesh Election 2026 was the participation of young and first-time voters. Around 4.57 million citizens voted for the first time.

Women voters were seen in large numbers at polling centres across Dhaka and other districts. Observers described the atmosphere in many areas as “festive and orderly.”

Political analysts say this youth-driven turnout could significantly influence the final outcome.

What Happens Next?

Counting of both parliamentary and referendum ballots is ongoing. Since voters cast two ballots — one for MPs and one for constitutional reforms — the counting process may take longer than previous elections.

Officials expect:

Preliminary trends overnight

 Majority of results by Friday morning

 Formal announcement by the Election Commission headquarters in Dhaka

Candidates can request recounts or file challenges through election tribunals if disputes arise.

Why Bangladesh Election 2026 Matters Now

The outcome will determine whether BNP returns to power, Jamaat gains historic ground, or coalition politics reshapes governance. With Awami League absent from the contest, the election signals a dramatic shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

As South Asia watches closely, the Bangladesh Election 2026 could redefine democratic stability and regional dynamics in the years ahead.

The nation now waits for the final verdict from the ballot boxes.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Female Prime Minister, Dies at 80

Khaleda Zia, the three-time former prime minister of Bangladesh and the nation's first woman to hold the office, died Tuesday morning at a hospital in Dhaka. She was 80. Her passing marks the end of a defining era in the country's turbulent politics and occurs just weeks before pivotal national elections.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia led for decades, announced her death, stating she passed away at 6 a.m. local time at Evercare Hospital after a prolonged illness. The government has declared three days of state mourning, and her funeral is scheduled for Wednesday. She will be buried beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman.

A Nation Mourns a Divisive Icon

The announcement plunged the nation into mourning, with thousands gathering outside the hospital and at her residence in Dhaka. The government's chief advisor, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, called Zia a "symbol of the democratic movement" and said the "nation has lost a great guardian". Condolences poured in from global leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif.

Zia had been in fragile health for years, suffering from liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and heart and kidney complications. She was admitted to the hospital in late November with a lung infection and was later placed on ventilator support.

From "Shy Housewife" to "Uncompromising Leader"

Zia's political life was forged from personal tragedy. Born in 1945 (or 1946 according to some sources) in Dinajpur, she was a reserved homemaker married to army officer Ziaur Rahman. Following his assassination in 1981, party leaders urged the grieving widow to step into the leadership vacuum of the BNP, which he had founded.

Despite being initially dismissed as a novice, she rose to become a formidable force against the military dictatorship of Hussain Muhammad Ershad in the 1980s. Her steadfast refusal to participate in what she deemed illegitimate elections and her willingness to endure repeated arrests earned her the reputation as Bangladesh's "uncompromising leader".

The "Battle of the Begums" That Shaped a Nation

Zia's legacy is inextricably linked with that of her archrival, Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League. Their fierce, decades-long political feud was dubbed the "Battle of the Begums," a title for powerful women that came to define Bangladesh's polarized politics.

A Complicated Alliance and Rivalry: The two women initially collaborated to oust military ruler Ershad in 1990. However, their alliance shattered when Zia defeated Hasina in the landmark 1991 election, becoming prime minister with support from Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami.

A Cycle of Vengeance: Their rivalry became intensely personal, fueled by the bloody history of their families—Hasina's father, the nation's founding leader, was assassinated in 1975; Zia's husband was assassinated in 1981. For the next two decades, they alternated in power, with their governments routinely jailing or prosecuting the other on corruption charges.

The Final Chapters: Hasina's long rule from 2009-2024 saw Zia imprisoned in 2018 on graft charges her party called politically motivated. In a dramatic reversal, Hasina was ousted in a 2024 uprising and is now in exile, while Zia was acquitted and freed.

A Mixed Legacy and an Uncertain Future

Zia leaves behind a contested record. Supporters hail her as a democrat who made primary education free and compulsory and championed women's empowerment. Critics point to her government's failure to curb rising Islamist militancy in the early 2000s and the paralyzing political strikes she endorsed.

Her death closes the personal chapter of the "Battle of the Begums," but the political struggle continues. All eyes are now on the February 12 general election. Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, who returned from exile days before her death, is expected to formally lead the BNP into the contest.

The election will be the first major test of whether the BNP can translate the national outpouring of grief for its matriarch into political victory in a post-begum era.

Bangladesh Political Crisis: Why the Situation Matters Now

The Bangladesh political crisis has taken a serious turn following the death of youth leader Sharif Usman Hadi, triggering widespread violence, targeted attacks on media houses, and growing concerns across South Asia. The unrest comes at a crucial time when Bangladesh is being governed by an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, ahead of planned elections in February 2026.

This crisis is not just an internal matter for Bangladesh—it has direct implications for India-Bangladesh relations, border security, and regional stability.

Who Was Sharif Usman Hadi?

Sharif Usman Hadi, 32, emerged as the most prominent face of the July 2024 student-led protests against the Bangladeshi government’s decision to reserve 30% of government jobs for descendants of 1971 freedom fighters.

While the policy aimed to honor history, many young Bangladeshis saw it as unfair amid rising unemployment. Hadi became the spokesperson of the protest platform Inqilab Mancha, gaining mass support—especially among urban youth.

Political analysts believed he could have played a decisive role in the 2026 elections.

Gun Attack, Death, and Sudden Violence

On December 12, 2025, Hadi was shot during a political campaign. He was flown to Singapore for treatment but died on December 18. Even before the official confirmation reached the public, violence erupted across Bangladesh.

Key developments include:

Attacks on media houses like Prothom Alo and The Daily Star

Arson, street clashes, and targeted violence

Protests against symbols linked to the former Sheikh Hasina regime

The Sharif Usman Hadi death is now being seen as an attack on an entire political movement rather than just one individual.

 Interim Government Under Pressure

The unrest has placed the Bangladesh interim government under intense scrutiny. Muhammad Yunus has declared a national day of mourning and ruled out contesting elections. However, critics question whether the caretaker setup can:

 Control escalating violence

 Ensure free and fair elections

 Prevent military intervention amid chaos

Bangladesh’s history of military coups makes this concern especially serious.

 India’s Stakes in the Bangladesh Political Crisis

For India, instability in Bangladesh poses multiple risks:

 Illegal migration into Assam, West Bengal, and the Northeast

 Border security challenges

 Disruption of trade and connectivity projects

Despite speculation on social media, experts widely dismiss claims of Indian intelligence involvement. Analysts argue that India prefers a stable, democratic Bangladesh, regardless of who comes to power.

As one regional affairs expert puts it,

 “Political narratives change after elections, but instability benefits no one—especially neighbors.”

What Lies Ahead?

The Bangladesh political crisis has cast serious doubts on the credibility of the February 2026 elections. Restoring law and order, ensuring transparent investigations, and protecting press freedom will be crucial in the coming weeks.

Whether Bangladesh moves toward stability or deeper turmoil will shape not just its future—but the security landscape of South Asia.

For now, all eyes remain on Dhaka.