‘Anjali Laho Mor’ sculpture demolished at Nazrul University

The sculpture ‘Anjali Laho Mor’, installed at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) earlier this year, has been demolished on the orders of the university’s new administration.

The removal took place during the university's vacation period.

Installed in January 2024, the sculpture was situated in the pond between the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the old Arts Faculty building, and was part of a beautification initiative led by the then Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Soumitra Shekhar.

Following a change in university leadership on August 5, the current administration decided to remove the sculpture, citing objections raised by several members of the administration and other quarters. University officials indicated that the removal was part of an overall review of projects initiated under the previous administration.

Md Hafizur Rahman, director of the Planning, Development, and Works Department, confirmed the demolition, stating, “The sculpture is not being accepted by the current administration, so it is being removed as per the Vice-Chancellor's instructions.”

Treasurer Professor Dr Zainul Abedin Siddiqui, currently serving the routine duties of Vice-Chancellor, added, “A decision regarding the sculpture had been made earlier in consultation with the deans and other stakeholders. At the time of its installation, the project was surrounded by controversy, and several individuals raised strong objections. The current decision stems from that consensus.”

The former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Soumitra Shekhar, under whose tenure the sculpture was erected, is currently facing allegations of corruption and irregularities in recruitment, further complicating the sculpture’s legacy.