Buddhist monks protest move to acquire 25 acres of land

Courtesy: The Daily Star | Tuesday, 29 April 2014

Buddhist monks form a human chain in front of Bandarban Press Club yesterday, protesting a BGB move to acquire 25 acres of land in Taracha area of Rowangchhari upazila of the district. Photo: Star

Buddhist monks and indigenous people formed a human chain in the district town yesterday, protesting BGB's move to acquire about 25 acres of land at Taracha mouza in Rowangchhari upazila.

They have urged the government not to allocate the land to the BGB as several historical structures, including Ram Jadi temple, meditation centre, Ram Mahabijoy Buddhist temple and Ram Naung Daw Gre Jadi temple, are situated in the area.

At the human chain programme, speakers said Buddhist devotees will be unhappy if the plan of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to acquire the land is implemented.

Shai Thoai Ching Marma, chairman of Taracha union parishad, Bacho Mong Marma, secretary of Ram Jadi temple committee, and Mong Shai Prue Marma, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Later, they submitted a memorandum to the prime minister through Deputy Commissioner KM Tariqul Islam in favour of the demand.

The indigenous people also brought out a procession in the town.

BGB Bandarban office sources said the acquisition of land is under process to build BGB Bandarban sector headquarters in the mouza as no people reside in the area.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/country/buddhist-monks-protest-move-to-acquire-25-acres-of-land-22051