Muslim Men Led by Abdul Hamid Block Cremation of Nirabasha Rani at 150-Year-Old Hereditary Ground, Threaten Ravidas Community With Death for Future Funerals At Niamatpur of Naogaon

A long-standing cremation ground in Naogaon’s Niamatpur Upazila has become the centre of a bitter dispute after members of the local Ravidas community alleged that they were prevented from performing the last rites of deceased Nirabasha Rani. The incident has sparked fear and insecurity among community members, who also claim to have faced verbal abuse and death threats over their continued access to the site.

Cremation Disrupted, Community Raises Alarm

According to local sources, members of the Ravidas community have lived in Balichand Hindu Para under Niamatpur Sadar Union for nearly 150 years. They say the cremation ground has been used by their families for generations, dating back to before Bangladesh’s independence.

The latest dispute reportedly erupted at around 1 pm on 4th November, after relatives brought the mortal remains of of the late Nirobasha Rani to the cremation ground. They alleged that Abdul Hamid, Abdul Kashem, Abdur Rahim, Belal, Ibrahim, Jahil, Golam Morshed obstructed the funeral rites. The accused were accompanied by family members and several other associates.

A heated exchange followed, escalating tensions between the two sides. The cremation was eventually completed with the intervention of local community leaders.

However, members of the Ravidas community allege that the confrontation did not end there. They claim that subsequent visits to the cremation ground have been met with abusive language and threats to their lives. The alleged intimidation has left families deeply anxious about their ability to perform traditional funeral rites without fear.

Land Ownership Dispute, Call for Administrative Intervention

The accused parties have denied the allegations of intimidation and harassment. They maintain that the land in question is their privately purchased property and argue that the Ravidas community has no valid legal documents establishing its right to use the site as a cremation ground. According to their account, they merely objected to the use of their property for cremation, triggering a verbal altercation between the parties.

Local Hindus have called for an impartial investigation, legal intervention and immediate steps to ensure their safety. They have also urged the administration to guarantee uninterrupted access to the cremation ground so that families can conduct last rites with dignity and peace.

Contacted over the matter, Niamatpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Murshida Khatun said she was aware of the incident and assured that necessary legal action would be taken following an investigation.