Amid widespread reports and social media claims that the "Anjali Laho Mor" sculpture at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University is being demolished, the university administration has clarified that it is not being removed but is instead being restored to its original design.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Md Jahangir Alam confirmed that the sculpture, built beside the Faculty of Arts pond, is undergoing partial reconstruction to align with its initial blueprint, Bangla Tribune reported on Thursday.
On Tuesday, sections of the structure were dismantled as part of the restoration process. However, media outlets soon reported that the sculpture was being torn down, sparking a flurry of mixed reactions across campus and online platforms.
The "Anjali Laho Mor" sculpture was originally installed during the tenure of former vice chancellor Professor Dr Soumitra Shekhar at a cost of over Tk4 crore. The project reportedly involved the removal of more than a hundred trees.
Although students initially expressed interest when the proposed design was unveiled, the final structure deviated significantly from that design. The completed version featured two large hands that many critics described as unusual and out of context.
Allegations have surfaced that the final design was altered on the former vice chancellor’s instructions, with the hand structures added at the last moment.
Some observers went so far as to label the sculpture a “communal symbol.” Following the political shift on August 5, several groups called for the sculpture’s removal. The university has since decided to revert the structure to its original form.
Students have expressed diverse opinions on the matter.
Philosophy student Ahmad Abdullah said: “The words 'Anjali Laho Mor' reflect nothing but the former corrupt VC Soumitra Shekhar’s bias towards foreign ideologies and Sanatan religion. The structure lacks any representation of our land or national identity. It clearly serves as a communal symbol.”
Local Government and Urban Development student Mehedi Hasan Roni added: “Sustainable development requires thoughtful planning. In the case of ‘Anjali Laho Mor', considerations like environmental impact and longevity were seemingly ignored. Some try to link the sculpture to Nazrul’s songs, but it feels more like the name was chosen to justify keeping the structure.”
Responding to the controversy, Vice Chancellor Dr Md Jahangir Alam said: “The sculpture is not being demolished; we are restoring it to its original design. After August 5, students raised several demands, including the removal of the sculpture. While we addressed other issues, no action was taken on this at the time. We are now moving forward with the restoration to reflect the initial concept.”
He further noted: “The previous administration did not construct the sculpture as originally planned, which led to public criticism. As we begin restoring it, some have misrepresented our intentions. Our goal is to enhance the beauty of the pond area. The matter was also discussed in today’s Deans’ Committee meeting.”
Previously, during the tenure of former vice chancellor Dr Mohit Ul Alam, a structure called "Sindhu Saros" was built over the same pond.
Often described as a pleasure boat or floating house, it drew admiration for its aesthetics.
The structure was later dismantled under Dr Soumitra Shekhar, who replaced it with the "Anjali Laho Mor" sculpture.