Bangladesh Statue of Justice controversy


Bangladesh Statue of Justice controversy is a controversy that surrounds the building of a Statue of justice in Bangladesh Supreme Court premises. Islamic groups like Hefazat-e-Islam and Bangladesh Awami Olama League have protested the statue and have taken legal actions calling for its removal.

Background

Bangladesh is a Muslim majority country with a legal system based on English common law. Bangladesh has seen rising tension between the religious hardliners and secularism supporters. A statue of Justice was erected in the premises of the Bangladesh Supreme Court by the Government. The Statue was that of Themis or Lady Justice, ancient Greek Titaness and the personification of Justice and the goddess of wisdom and good counsel. The Statue has blindfolds, is holding a sword, and wearing a Sari. The Sari is a local variation, the statue is usually wearing a gown.

Opposition and lawsuits

On 24 February 2017 thousands of Muslims protested in Dhaka against the statue. Supporters of Hefazat-e-Islam marched from the national mosque, Baitul Mukarram, after Friday prayers. A similar rally was held at the same time in Chittagong, the second largest city in Bangladesh. Hefazat later submitted a petition to the Supreme Court to demolish it, which was supported by the Awami League affiliated Bangladesh Awami Olama League and an online news editor. They called it conspiracy to undermine Islam in Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina Prime Minister of Bangladesh supported calls to remove the Statue of justice in Bangladesh Supreme Court. with some people saying the government was bowing down to the pressure of those who have used religion for political ends.

Support

The Supreme Court officials defended the statue as a symbol of Justice. The Dhaka Tribune wrote an article defending the statue. The Daily Star defended the statue and pointed out that only 7 percent of the Judges are female.

2017 removal

On 26 May, the Lady Justice statue was completely removed at 2am after a court decision and taken away by a truck at around 4am. Two days later, the statue was reinstalled in place a few hundred meters from its original location.
The order was given from the Supreme Court, and the difference was stated to be one where the statue was on display and one where it was inside and therefore not 'on focus'.