An open inquiry should be held into allegations that the mayor of Khagrachhari municipality is trying to grab land beside the Tri Ratna Buddhist temple, next to the town’s Agriculture Research Institute.
The high number of unresolved land disputes throughout the nation, which are held back by inefficient record-keeping and prolonged legal cases, is a matter which needs more urgent government attention.
It is even more worrisome when allegations surface that public officials may be taking undue advantage of their positions. This is particularly so in relation to complaints by minority communities that they may be being treated unfairly.
The temple in question was built on donated land over 20 years ago and is registered by Bangladesh Buddhist Welfare Trust as an entity with the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
According to the mayor, he had purchased the remaining part of the land which was donated, and denies allegations made by local people that he has any intentions to displace the temple.
According to the temple committee, in the years since the land was donated, the Roads and Highways Department has built shanty houses on part of the land and the mayor planted trees on some of the area in dispute.
The present dispute rests on whether or not the temple is the rightful owner of this land. We make no comment on the case itself, other than to say it should be determined impartially and swiftly.
However, we are troubled that the case reflects official disregard for the rights of minority communities. It appears similar to the high-handed manner in which court authorities began filling in land apparently belonging to the Barisal Saint Peter’s Church, which was constructed in 1849.
All land owners and claimants in their nation are entitled to have disputes resolved fairly and quickly.
It is especially important that the Khagrachhari dispute be openly investigated and settled, to guard against any suggestions of official discrimination or impropriety.
