DHAKA, Bangladesh— Authorities in Bangladesh were forced to remove new sculptures installed at the international airport in the capital, Dhaka, after protests by Muslims threatening to destroy them, Agence France-Presse reports.

The five statues of local folk singers were created by Mrinal Haq, the country's best-known sculptor, for a government commission meant to enliven the dull Zia International airport. But thousands of Muslims came out to protest the sculptures, calling them idols and threatening to attack them with power tools.

"They formed an idol resistance committee and threatened the workers. They also set a three-day ultimatum to remove the sculptures," said Sirahul Islam, the airport's police chief.

According to Haq, the installation of the sculptures became one of his most dangerous projects: "They became so hostile that it became increasingly dangerous and risky to work there," he said. "I agreed to remove them as I did not want to see any clashes."

He added, "I've done a lot of works, including the city's largest sculpture. But never have I faced such bigotry."

The folk singer statues will replaced by a fountain, Islam said.