What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
At least ten Hindu devotees, including women, were severely injured on February 25 after a mob allegedly led by Rokon Uddin attacked a peaceful protest in Aruail Union under Sarail Upazila of Brahmanbaria.
The demonstrators had gathered to oppose the alleged illegal occupation of land belonging to the 213-year-old Shri Shri Mohanlal Jiu Temple in Bade Aruail village and the dumping of sand into a canal adjacent to the temple. The canal serves as a drainage and irrigation channel for nearby agricultural land.
Around 2:00 p.m., hundreds of men and women marched from the temple premises toward the disputed site, forming a human chain and holding a protest rally. Their stated demands were:
a) Recovery of allegedly encroached temple land
b) Removal of sand and earth dumped into the canal
c) Protection of the status quo while the land dispute remains under judicial consideration
According to eyewitnesses, local resident Shahid Mia and his supporters attempted to obstruct the gathering. Witnesses further allege that a group led by Rokon Uddin began throwing bricks at the demonstrators. Shortly thereafter, approximately 20–25 men reportedly attacked protesters with sticks and blunt objects.
The injured were transported to Sarail Upazila Health Complex. Local authorities confirmed that police had intervened to bring the situation under control.
Local sources state that the conflict arises from a long-standing land dispute between temple authorities and neighboring claimant Shahid Mia. The matter is currently sub judice.
Temple committee members allege that, despite the pending court proceedings, sand was dumped at night onto land adjacent to the temple and into the canal, obstructing water flow. Farmers in the area have reportedly expressed concern over irrigation disruption and potential waterlogging of surrounding fields.
Shahid Mia has denied the allegations. He maintains that he has not encroached upon temple land and asserts that the land identified as a canal falls within his property. He also denies involvement in any organized attack, claiming that the situation is being misrepresented.
Aruail Union Parishad Chairman Md. Mosharraf Hossain acknowledged that the dispute has persisted for years and stated that warnings had been issued against filling the canal. Allegations of nighttime earth-filling have been raised.
Sarail Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Manjur Kader Bhuiyan confirmed that an investigation is underway and that legal action will follow based on findings.
The incident occurs amid broader concerns regarding disputes involving minority religious properties.
According to the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, 21 incidents of land grabbing or attempted land grabbing targeting Hindu places of worship have been documented in 2025.
Hindus constitute approximately 8 percent of Bangladesh’s population, and Human rights groups like the Ain o Salish Kendra have repeatedly raised concerns about land-related disputes involving minority-owned religious and private property.
The protestors and temple authorities are calling for:
a) Immediate restoration of the canal and natural water flow
b) Recovery of alleged encroached temple land
c) Arrest of Rokon Uddin and others accused of leading the attack
d) Assurance that the pending court case proceeds without coercion
These demands are not sectarian. They are rooted in law, property rights, and public safety.
The Shri Shri Mohanlal Jiu Temple has served as a place of worship for more than two centuries. The current dispute raises broader questions regarding the protection of religious sites, enforcement of court status quo orders, and the safeguarding of public irrigation channels.
The protesters have called for:
a) Restoration of the canal’s natural water flow
b)Recovery of allegedly encroached temple land
c)Arrest of those accused of leading the attack
d) Assurance that court proceedings continue without coercion
The outcome of the investigation will determine whether the confrontation remains an isolated local dispute or becomes part of a continuing pattern of unresolved land conflicts involving minority institutions.
