‘Anjali Loho Mor’ sculpture demolished at JKKNIU

JKKNIU (Trishal) Correspondent :

A sculpture titled ‘Anjali Loho Mor’, located on the premises of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU), was quietly demolished during a student holiday, sparking widespread criticism from faculty, students, and artists.

Officials from the university’s Planning and Development Office confirmed that the removal was carried out following directives from the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Md Jahangir Alam.

The sculpture, completed in January 2024, was erected near the pond between the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the old Faculty of Arts as part of a Tk 4-crore campus renovation project. Its construction cost was approximately Tk 15 lakh.

The sculpture had been installed under the leadership of former Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Soumitra Sekhar. Its demolition reportedly began without any public notice or prior consultation.

When approached for comment, Registrar Prof Dr Md Mizanur Rahman claimed no knowledge of the demolition, saying, “I am not aware. The Planning or Project Office might be able to answer.” Deputy Chief Engineer Md Mahbubul Islam echoed this, also citing ignorance of the incident.

However, Md Hafizur Rahman, Director of Planning, Development, and Works, admitted that the current administration had rejected the sculpture, citing objections from some students. “The Vice Chancellor gave the order. Initially, a few students objected to it last August and even attempted to dismantle it,” he said.

But leaders from Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir denied making any such demands. No documented evidence has been provided to support the claims of student-led opposition.

Prof Dr Zainul Abedin Siddiqui, Treasurer and acting Vice Chancellor, said the decision stemmed from prior discussions with university deans, referring to the sculpture as part of “controversial initiatives” undertaken by the former administration.