Hill Voice, 27 February 2026, Bandarban: In Mirinja Bagan Para of Lama Sadar Union of Lama Upazila under Bandarban district, former mayor and Awami League leader Md. Zahirul Islam has been accused of forcibly attempting to occupy the crematorium and homesteads of the Tripura community and building a resort.

According to sources, on Thursday (February 26), an attempt was made to occupy the crematorium and dwelling-places used by 60 Tripura families in Mirinja Bagan Para of Lama Upazila. A group of outsiders led by Md. Zahirul Islam came there and tried to clear the area. Later, the local Jummas came to know about it and tried to stop the encroachments. This led to a heated argument between the Jumma locals and the occupants.

Accused Zahirul Islam’s father’s name is Nurul Islam (Peskar), he is originally a permanent resident of Hatia upazila of Noakhali district. Around 1983, they were brought to the Chittagong Hill Tracts as settlers with state sponsorship.

It is known that in 2011, three brothers Haliram Tripura, Maliram Tripura and Punaram Tripura sold 2 acres of land in Mirinja Bagan Para to former mayor and Awami League leader Md. Zahirul Islam for 11,000 taka per acre. Later, in 2013, Zahirul Islam tried to occupy an additional 300 acres of land on the 2-acre site. Later, former mayor Zahirul Islam again sold the 300 acres of land occupied in his name to retired Major Mustafa Zaman for 1 lakh taka per acre.

Later, the occupying retired Major Mustafa Zaman filed a case against the four persons – Niranjay Tripura, Raychandra Tripura, Anik Tripura, and Bir Bahadur Tripura.

It is reported that currently, land grabbers are attempting to occupy the lands in various ways to build resorts in the area.

Meanwhile, poor Jumma villagers are reportedly feeling helpless.