The Sri Sri Rashik Roy Jiu temple in the Auliapur area of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila has not seen a Durga Puja celebration in the last 15 years, and it seems this year might be the same the local administration has imposed Section 144 there owing to a long-standing conflict between two groups.
Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Belayet Hossain issued the order on Wednesday.
He said an ongoing dispute between followers of the Sanatan Dharma and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) concerning the ownership of land had been affecting the temple.
Tension escalated on September 18, 2009, resulting in a major clash during Durga Puja between the two groups.
According to sources, a Sanatan Dharma follower, Phulbabu, died in an attack by Iskcon members. In response, the upazila administration intervened, sealing off the temple to restore order.
UNO Belayet said: “To prevent the recurrence of such incidents and maintain law and order during this year's Durga Puja, Section 144 has been implemented in the vicinity of the Sri Sri Rashik Rai Jiu temple, starting from Wednesday and continuing until the next Wednesday.”
Despite discussions within the district administration over the past 15 years during various pujas, the issue has remained unresolved. Consequently, worship at the temple has remained suspended for the last 15 years.