Greek goddess statue removed in Bangladesh after Islamist outcry

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Image copyrightFARHANA PARVIN

Image captionThe removal began late Thursday

Workers have begun to dismantle the statue of a Greek goddess from Bangladesh's Supreme Court complex, after an outcry from Islamists.

The sculpture of Themis - the goddess of justice - wearing a sari was less than six months old, but Islamist groups demanded its removal by Friday.

They claimed it hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims and it prompted mass protests in the capital Dhaka.

PM Sheikh Hasina agreed to its removal, but secular groups opposed it.

Image copyrightAFP

Image captionIslamists groups have staged mass rallies demanding the statue be removed

Workers came with equipment and a crane at midnight to uproot the controversial statue, the BBC's Bangla service reported.

The statue is being removed to maintain peace, said its creator Mrinal Haque.

Analysts say this is just a sign of the rising tension between Islamic conservatism and liberal values in Bangladesh. 

Protesters have long asserted that the figure, which held the familiar sword and scales of justice in her hands, amounted to idolatry.