The sculpture "Anjali Loh Mor", installed at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) in Trishal, Mymensingh, has recently been demolished following orders from the university administration, sparking criticism.
Unveiled in January 2024, the sculpture was inspired by one of the poet’s songs and placed beside the pond between the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the old Faculty of Arts buildings.
According to university sources, the sculpture was constructed in 2024 as part of a beautification initiative of the campus ponds, with a budget exceeding Tk4 crore.
However, following a shift in administrative leadership on August 5, the newly appointed administration ordered its removal. The sculpture had been commissioned under the leadership of former vice chancellor Prof Dr Soumitra Sekhar.
Students of the university alleged that the decision was driven by a sense of vengeance.
A student, requesting anonymity, said: “The removal of the sculpture, built as part of beautifying the university’s only pond, is deeply upsetting. It was one of the campus’s most aesthetically pleasing installations. The administration could have explored preservation or redesign options instead of demolishing it outright.”
Mohammad Rajon, president of the Mymensingh divisional chapter of a fine arts council, said: “There was controversy surrounding this sculpture from the beginning. Still, as art lovers, we cannot accept such destruction of artwork following a political shift.”
He added that rather than tearing it down, the administration should have considered ways to enhance its aesthetic appeal.
If the demolition was driven by communal sentiment or religious views, he strongly condemned the act.
Mohammad Hafizur Rahman, director of the university’s planning and development office, confirmed that the sculpture was demolished as per the current administration’s directive, led by the vice chancellor.
Repeated attempts to contact Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Jahangir Alam for comments were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off.