Hill Voice, 27 Febriary 2024, Special Correspondent: It has been alleged that, on 24 February 2024 at around 8:00 pm the workers of the Mayor of Kuakata Municipality of Kuakata Upazila attempted to grab the land of Shrimangal Buddhist Temple adjacent to Kerani Para in Kuakata Upazila of Patuakhali District.

Earlier, the Mayor of the Kuakata Municipality tried to started the construction work of the public toilet in the land of Shrimangal Buddhist Temple adjacent to Rakhaine Market. At this, the Shrimangal Buddhist Temple authority protested against it by showing the order of the high court to halt the construction process.

Notably, the 2.44 acres land of the Shrimnagal Buddhist Temple was handed officially to Nolau Marma on behalf of the Kerai Para Marma people by the Colonization Officer of the then Kepu Para on 17 December 1946 and registered on 7 November 1947 through deed no.7.

However, on the incident night the workers of the Mayor of Kuakata Municipality tried to complete the leveling work of the terrace of the public toilet without any consultation with the Shrimangal Buddhist Temple Authority.

Indra Bangsho, President of the Shrimnagal Buddhist Temple and General Secretary of Kuakata Shrimangal Buddhist Temple Managing Committee submitted a written complainant to the Deputy Commissioner of Patuakhali District on 25 February 2024 in order to take actions against the Mayor of the Kuakata Municipality and stop the construction work.

After hearing the incident, Civil Society Organizations condemned against this land grabbing and immediately contacted with the Deputy Commissioner of Patuakhali District while the Deputy Commissioner of Patuakhali District ordered the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Kuakata Upazila to stop the construction work and take decision in future by involving all actors.