The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested Haridas Chandra Tarani Das, who gained national attention for planning to build an 81-foot-tall Ram statue in Palashbari, Gaibandha. A Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court ordered four days of remand for interrogation after investigators sought seven days. The case alleges that Haridas was involved in money laundering and hundi operations under the guise of business, with over 93.5 million taka deposited into his accounts from suspicious sources.

According to the report, Haridas was detained on Sunday night by individuals identifying themselves as members of the Detective Branch. Police confirmed that no unrest occurred in the temple area following the arrest, and law and order remained stable with additional forces deployed. Haridas, originally from Komorpur village in Gaibandha, had previously lived in India and later worked as an air-conditioning mechanic in Dhaka.

Earlier in June, Haridas had announced plans to construct the country’s largest Ram statue, but the temple committee suspended the project to maintain communal harmony and public order.