The persecution of the Hindu minorities continues in Muslim-majority Bangladesh. Attacks, land grabbing, abduction of Hindu girls, conversion and targeted torture have been regularly happening in several districts of the country. A fresh case of land grabbing has been reported from the Coomilla district. 

As per the received information, on the morning of 22nd of June, Islamists grabbed the lands of Sri Sri Chandi Mata temple, situated in Lalmai Upazila of the Coomilla district. 

Sources from the local Hindus said that at least 50 Islamists came with building materials and started building of houses beside the main road leading to the temple. Within few hours, the Islamists built two houses. The temple committee couldn’t resist them as they were armed. 

However, a member of the temple committee recorded a video of the land grabbing and later posted it on Facebook. As the video went viral, Upazila Administrative Officer saw the video and sent a team to inspect. Also, several Hindu activists raised the issue with the local administration. The administration promised to remove the illegally constructed houses. 

Sri Sri Chandi Mata temple in Lalmai Upazila of Coomilla is a very famous temple in Bangladesh. During the yearly festivities, lacs of Hindu minorities visit the temple every year. Also, few bighas of unutilised lands are there around the temple. Some local Hindus alleged that without the support of some powerful leaders, land grabbing was impossible.