Hefajat-e Islam, Awami Olama League and the editor of an online news portal have demanded immediate removal of a sculpture of what they claimed to be a Greek idol installed in front of the country's apex court.

Hefajat, a Qawmi madrasa-based Islamist organisation, yesterday announced to hold a rally and discussion at the Jatiya Press Club today to press home the demand.

Hefajat has recently submitted a memorandum to the Supreme Court demanding removal of the sculpture.

Earlier on Friday, Khelafat Andolan, a component in the BNP-led 20-party alliance, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh held a procession and rally in front of Baitul Mukarram Mosque.

Several other Islamist organisations including Jamait Ulama-E-Islam, another component in the BNP-led 20-party alliance, have been making the same demand for several weeks.

In a latest incident, Muhammad Arifur Rahman, who claimed to be the editor of online news portal bishwabarta.com, and Kazi Alhaj Mawlana Mohammad Abul Hasan Sheikh Shariatpuri sent a letter to the Registrar General of the Supreme Court on February 2 demanding removal of the sculpture.

A copy of the letter carries a seal of the Registrar General's office and a signature of receipt. However, Supreme Court Registrar General Aminul Islam on Saturday said, “The letter may be written, but I have not seen it yet.”

Bangladesh Awami Olama League claims affiliation with the ruling Awami League, but the latter denies any such links.

Nur Hossain Kasemi, convener of Hefajat, Dhaka city, yesterday told The Daily Star: “They will not tolerate the Greek idol in the country where 92 percent people are Muslims.”

Contacted, eminent sculptor Mrinal Haque said the sculpture is a symbol of justice, not of any goddess. Globally, it is used as the symbol of justice, he added.