Seventeen Tripura homes in Sarai union, Lama upazila, Bandarban, were set ablaze early on Wednesday, Christmas Day, drawing significant attention in both Bangladeshi and Indian media, as well as on social platforms.
The Chief Adviser's Office condemned the act, while the authorities arrested four individuals in this connection.
Speculation is rife regarding the motive behind the attack, with theories ranging from land disputes to extortion. Amid these developments, allegations have emerged involving an entity called SP Bagan, purportedly linked to former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed.
What happened?
Seven or eight months ago, Tongerjhiri Para, now in ashes, was established.
While the Tripura people in Rangamati and Khagrachhari predominantly follow Hinduism, those in Bandarban are generally Christians, local journalist Sufal Chakma told BBC Bangla.
Residents were away celebrating Christmas at a nearby settlement due to the absence of a church in their new community.
At around 12:30am on Wednesday, the houses were set on fire.
Some residents suspect the incident stemmed from previous extortion attempts.
A local resident, Marjel Tripura, said certain individuals had demanded money from them weeks earlier, a matter they had reported to the police.
Another resident, Orati Tripura, noted that threats of arson had been made if payments were not made.
Meanwhile, village head Paisapru Tripura alleged that a group of hill people and Bengalees armed with weapons had previously tried to extort them. “They are the ones who burned 17 of the 19 houses.”
SP Bagan
The fire brought attention to SP Bagan, or SP Garden, a fruit orchard rumoured to be linked to Benazir Ahmed.
Locals allege that the dispute over this land triggered the violence.
According to Ward No 8 Member Md Jamal Uddin, SP Bagan was established several years ago leveraging Benazir’s name.
Jamal Uddin said that after reports last year linked Benazir to property in Bandarban, he was instructed by the local administration to investigate the claims surrounding SP Bagan.
When he visited the site, its caretaker, Ibrahim, denied knowing if the property belonged to Benazir.
However, he had mentioned being appointed by the superintendent of police of a district, Jamal told the BBC.
This association led to the orchard being locally referred to as SP Bagan.
Following the arson, Ibrahim was among the four individuals arrested.
Jamal Uddin further noted that the disputed land had been home to the Tripura community for generations.
“About 10–12 years ago, the orchard was established on the land, with mango trees being planted primarily.”
Despite widespread speculation, BBC Bangla could not independently verify Benazir’s direct involvement.
Locally, the property was widely rumoured to belong to Benazir Ahmed, prompting the union parishad member to investigate its legitimacy.
However, he found no conclusive evidence connecting the former IGP to the land.
What do officials say?
According to Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rupayan Dev, the acting upazila nirbahi officer (UNO), the SP Bagan land is government khas land.
“Historically, the Tripura people cultivated the land before SP Bagan took over around a decade ago… The caretaker abandoned the site about seven or eight months ago when rumours about Benazir Ahmed gained traction. This departure allowed the Tripura families to reclaim the land and build new homes,” he told BBC Bangla.
The official said the affected families had homes in other locations, which he had personally inspected. He remarked that the new houses had been primarily constructed as part of an effort to seize control of the land.
While properties belonging to Benazir or his family have been identified in various parts of Bangladesh, Rupayan confirmed to BBC Bangla that there was no land registered under their name in Lama upazila.
Notably, on June 12, a court ordered the confiscation of movable and immovable assets belonging to Benazir Ahmed and his family due to corruption allegations.
Among these assets was 25 acres of land in Suwalok union of Bandarban Sadar upazila. Following the court’s directive, the district administration took possession of the property on July 4.
Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Shah Mojahid Uddin and the SP visited the site of the incident on Thursday morning.
Speaking to BBC Bangla from the location, Mojahid said a case had been filed, adding that four individuals had been arrested. “The rest will be handled in accordance with the law."
When asked if he had received any complaints or information from locals regarding Benazir, the DC replied: "No, we will see."
The administration said it had also arranged temporary aid, including blankets, for the victims.
