The Thakurgaon district administration has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 at the Sri Sri Rashiklal Jiu Temple in Sadar upazila, due to concerns about violence and clashes surrounding Durga Puja.
This measure has been in place for 15 consecutive years during Durga Puja due to disputes between two factions of the Hindu community.
On Monday morning Sadar Upazila Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Belayet Hossain, announced the imposition of Section 144 through a notification.
The notification said that there has been a long-standing dispute over the land associated with the temple between two local parties -- Sanatan devotees (traditional Hindus) and International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Given the context, there is a fear of violence and clashes surrounding Durga Puja. Therefore, Section 144 will be in effect from 6am on Monday until midnight on October 13.
There has been a dispute between two factions of the Hindu community over the possession of the temple land for a long time. On September 18, 2009, there was a clash at the Rashiklal Jiu Temple during Durga Puja between ISKCON followers and other group.
The temple's priest, Fulbabu, was killed in the clash. Since then, the administration has been imposing Section 144 during religious festivals at the temple to prevent violence, which has led to devotees being unable to worship for 15 years.