Bangladesh Supreme Court removes Lady Justice statue

By Mainul Islam Khan

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - A statue depicting the Greek goddess of justice was removed from the front side of the Supreme Court building early Friday following pressure from religious groups that termed it as “un-Islamic”, according to local media and the attorney general.

The controversy over the Lady Justice statue had been brewing for several months, with many religious groups staunchly opposed to its installation.

Even Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped into the controversy, who to the surprise of all, had backed the move to remove the statue.

Only policemen were allowed to enter the court premises when it was being moved.

Attorney General Mahbube Alam told Anadolu Agency the statue had been moved to another place within the court premises. “I heard the decision came from the full court to remove it from the present place and to replace it somewhere else in the court premise,” he said.

Hefazat-e-Islam and Bangladesh Olama League were among the Islamic groups who had been demanding the statue’s removal since it was installed in December 2016.

Hefazat-e-Islam leaders met Hasina on April 11 demanding the removal of the statue of Greek goddess Themis, who is depicted blindfolded with a sword in one hand and the balanced scales of justice on the other.

In his interpretation of the goddess, sculptor Mrinal Haque had dressed the goddess in the traditional sari -- a common dress worn by women in South Asia, especially Bangladesh. Typically, she is shown wearing a long gown.