Dhaka/IBNS, June 20 -- Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus took to the streets of Dhaka on Friday, raising slogans of "Jai Shri Ram" and demanding action over the alleged desecration of an image of Lord Ram.

The demonstrations erupted days after work on an 81-foot statue of Lord Ram in northern Bangladesh was suspended following reported threats from Islamist groups.

The protests have intensified debate over the treatment of religious minorities in Muslim-majority Bangladesh and come amid growing concern over a series of communal incidents reported this year.

Large-scale protests in Dhaka

Several Hindu organisations, students and community members gathered at Dhaka's Shahbagh intersection before marching towards the National Press Club. ...