Noakhali, Bangladesh | October 22, 2026 — A group of unidentified individuals allegedly vandalized the boundary wall of Shri Shri Gadadhar Kund Durga Temple in the municipal area of Sonaimuri, Noakhali, and entered the premises, reportedly intimidating members of the local Hindu community. The incident has left local Hindu residents fearful and concerned about their safety.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 22. Police from Sonaimuri Police Station visited the site after receiving information about the incident.
Temple Committee Alleges Attack Amid Land Dispute
Dipankar Chakraborty, president of the Shri Shri Gadadhar Kund Durga Temple Committee, alleged that a dispute over the temple’s boundary and land had been ongoing with Rownak Hasan Rizvi, headteacher of Sonaimuri Model Government Primary School.
According to Chakraborty, the school authorities recently constructed rooms and toilets on land claimed by the temple. He alleged that, following the dispute, a group of individuals arrived at the temple on Thursday and demolished sections of its boundary wall, which was made of tin sheets and cement pillars.
Following the incident, local police and members of the temple committee visited the site to assess the damage.
Temple Officials Express Safety Concerns
Hriday Haran Baishnab, joint general secretary of the temple committee, alleged that the school authorities had occupied temple land and were conspiring against the religious institution. He further claimed that members of the temple community had repeatedly received threats and were living in fear for their safety.
The allegations have raised concerns among local Hindu residents regarding the security of the temple and the ongoing land dispute.
Police Attempt to Identify Those Responsible
Kabir Hossain, officer-in-charge of Sonaimuri Police Station, said police visited the scene immediately after receiving information about the incident. He added that efforts were underway to identify and arrest those responsible.
Nasrin Akter, Sonaimuri Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and municipal administrator, said the authorities would examine the matter and take appropriate legal action.
Attempts to obtain a statement from Rownak Hasan Rizvi, the headteacher named in the allegations, were unsuccessful.
The allegations concerning the land dispute and the destruction of the temple boundary wall have not yet been independently verified. Further investigation is needed to establish the circumstances of the incident and determine responsibility.
