Agartala, June 18, 2026: Tripura’s SC Welfare and ARDD Minister Sudhangshu Das on Wednesday strongly reacted to reports that the construction of a proposed giant Ram statue in Bangladesh has been temporarily suspended, alleging that growing religious extremism in the neighbouring country is creating difficulties for minority communities.

Addressing the media, Das expressed concern over what he described as increasing pressure from hardline Islamist groups in Bangladesh. Referring to reports surrounding the suspension of the Ram statue project in Palashbari of Gaibandha district, he claimed that extremist elements were attempting to prevent the construction work from progressing.

The minister alleged that Bangladesh was gradually moving towards becoming a hardline Islamic state and asserted that some radical groups did not want followers of other religions to live in the country. He further claimed that attempts were being made to reduce the Hindu population there, although he maintained that such efforts would ultimately fail.

Commenting on the controversy over the statue project, Das said the construction had been halted temporarily due to opposition and threats from fundamentalist groups. However, he expressed confidence that the project would eventually be completed.

Making a strong statement on the significance of Sanatan Dharma in Bangladesh, the minister said that the disappearance of the faith from the country would have devastating consequences. “The day Sanatan Dharma ceases to exist in Bangladesh, the country will become a land of human skeletons. Nothing will remain there,” he remarked.

Das also criticised certain opposition parties in India, alleging that they support forces that insult Sanatan Dharma. Drawing a political comparison, he claimed that such parties could eventually face political setbacks similar to those experienced by major opposition forces in neighbouring West Bengal.

According to reports, the Ram statue—planned to be approximately 81 to 82 feet tall—is being constructed within the premises of the Sri Sri Radhagobinda and Kali Temple at Palashbari in Bangladesh’s Rangpur Division. The temple authorities have reportedly suspended construction for the time being, citing concerns over communal harmony following opposition and pressure from local Islamist groups.