DU lays foundation stone for world’s largest Saraswati statue

The foundation stone for what is expected to be the world’s largest Saraswati statue has been laid at Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University (DU), marking a significant addition to its religious and cultural heritage.

DU Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam inaugurated the construction as chief guest at a ceremony held at the Rabindra Bhaban premises of Jagannath Hall on Sunday.

The programme was chaired by Jagannath Hall Provost Prof Debashish Pal. 

Among others, retired Prof Sukomal Barua, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar, its General Secretary Santosh Sharma, Dhaka Metropolitan Sarbojanin Puja Committee President Gopal Chandra Debnath and its General Secretary Subashish Kumar Biswas addressed the event. 

Leaders of Jagannath Hall Students' Union and Jagannath Hall Chhatra Dal were also present.

Addressing the ceremony, Prof ABM Obaidul Islam said people of all religions live in Bangladesh in a peaceful and harmonious environment and practice their respective religious rituals without hindrance.

"We want to build a Bangladesh where there will be no communal conflicts. Everyone will be able to speak about their equal rights and live with dignity as enlightened citizens," he said.

He further emphasised the importance of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in building a beautiful and humane society.

"Ensuring the rights and dignity of people of all religions is essential to building a communal Bangladesh," he added.

The speakers described the foundation stone laying as an important initiative connected with the religious and cultural heritage of Jagannath Hall. 

They expressed optimism that the project would add a new dimension to DU’s cultural landscape and reflect the country's tradition of religious harmony.

Saraswati is worshipped by Hindus as the goddess of learning, knowledge, music and the arts. Every year, Jagannath Hall witnesses a large gathering of students, devotees and visitors during Saraswati Puja.