A Hindu family in northern Bangladesh’s Kurigram district has allegedly been confined within their own home for more than three weeks following a land dispute with neighboring Muslim residents. 

The incident occurred in Nowdabas village under Phulbari upazila, where the family of Lal Bahadur Rabidas—who have reportedly lived on the property for over 40 years—claim they have been effectively held captive after Muslim neighbors erected bamboo fencing around their homestead.

According to the family and local sources, a group of individuals, including Jabbarul Haque, Jasim Uddin, and Shahidul Islam, have long been attempting to seize the land. On April 9, the accused allegedly blocked all access routes by constructing bamboo barriers around the house, restricting the family’s movement.

The situation reportedly escalated on April 14, when the accused entered the property, vandalized parts of the home, and dug up sections of the yard to plant vegetable seeds—actions the family claims were intended to establish control over the land.

“We are almost imprisoned in our own home,” said Arati Rani, the wife of Lal Bahadur Rabidas. “The fencing surrounds everything—my mother-in-law’s grave, the tube well, latrine, and kitchen. We can barely carry out our daily activities. Only God knows how we are surviving.”

Local residents, including Zainal Abedin and Dulu Mia, have called for immediate intervention to ensure the family regains their rights and safety.

Union Parishad member Mominul Islam said several mediation meetings involving community leaders have been held in an effort to resolve the dispute, but no solution has yet been reached.

Meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge of Phulbari Police Station, Mahmud Hasan Naim, confirmed that authorities have received a complaint. “The matter is being taken seriously. We will investigate and take necessary legal action,” he said.