Naikhyongchhari (Bandarban), CHT News
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Residents of Nutan Chak Para in Ward 8 of Baishari
Union, Naikhyongchhari Upazila, Bandarban, have urged the local administration
to take immediate action over alleged attempts to encroach on a traditional
cremation ground used by the indigenous Chak community for generations.
The site has long been used by local Chak residents to
perform traditional funeral rites in accordance with their cultural and
religious practices. Residents said repeated attempts to take control of the
land have caused growing concern and frustration within the community.
According to local residents, a man identified as Nur
Mohammad, son of the late Sikandar Ali, has recently been claiming the land and
allegedly attempting to take possession of it. They said no such ownership
dispute had been raised during his father's lifetime.
Residents further alleged that the fencing around the
cremation ground was damaged in what they believe was an attempt to facilitate
encroachment.
"A crematorium cannot simply be treated as
private property. It is tied to the collective traditions, cultural practices
and religious rights of the community," local Chak residents said.
They called for any legitimate ownership claim to be settled through the appropriate legal process rather than through intimidation or attempts to forcibly alter the status of the site.
The community has reportedly submitted a written
application to the Naikhyongchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), seeking
administrative intervention. However, residents expressed concern that the
alleged dismantling of the site's boundary fencing has continued despite the
complaint.
"If no effective action is taken over repeated
disputes concerning a long-established religious site, where are ordinary
people supposed to seek justice?" residents asked.
The villagers have called on the administration to
conduct an impartial investigation, verify the legal status and historical use
of the land, prevent any further attempts at encroachment, and take appropriate
legal action if any laws have been violated.
"We do not want conflict," residents said.
"We want justice, a peaceful resolution and protection of our
crematorium."
* Editor's Note: This report was compiled from
information obtained through social media sources.
-----------