Renovation almost done

Shima Bihar and Bimukti Bidarshan Bhabna Kendra in Ramu. Photo Credit: Anurup Kanti Das

Reconstruction and renovation works of 16 out of 19 Buddhist temples either torched or vandalised in Cox's Bazar last year have been completed.
Project Director Lt Col Siddique Md Zulfiker Rahman said beautification works of the remaining three temples were going on.
“The project is about to be completed,” he said, adding, the temples would hopefully be ready for inauguration by mid-July.
The cost of the project was initially estimated at Tk 11.98 crore, which was increased to Tk 20 crore, said Zulfiker Rahman, also the commanding officer of the 17 ECB Battalion of Bangladesh Army.
Twelve out of 19 temples that came under attack in the September 29 mayhem at Ramu in the district were reconstructed, while the other seven were repaired, said Project Officer Major Anwar.
Members of the Buddhist community and the locals in the area said they were satisfied with the progress and quality of work so far.

Shima Bihar and Bimukti Bidarshan Bhabna Kendra, in Ramu are being reconstructed under the supervision of army personnel. These were among the 19 Buddhist temples that were torched and vandalised in sectarian violence on September 29 last year. The photos were taken on June 19. Photo Credit: Anurup Kanti Das

Ramu Kendriyo Seema Bihar, a 17th century wooden temple set on fire in September, is a newly-built three-storey concrete structure now.
“We are very happy with the construction works,” said Pandit Satyapriyo Mahathero, principal of the Bihar. “It has exceeded our expectations.”
Bimukti Bidarshan Bhabona Kendra, a temple at Uttar Mithachhari village in Ramu, was also torched during the September mayhem, said Neetish Barua, general secretary of the temple management committee.
A two-storey concrete structure has been raised at the site.
The temple's Principal Shrimat Karunashri Thero said the quality of construction work was good.
Contacted, Engineer Subhas Barua, structural designer of all the 12 reconstructed temples, said he had visited the temples recently, and was pleased to see the quality of work.