Seema Buddhist Monastery in Kuakata Closed to Visitors

Seema Buddhist Monastery in Kuakata

Patuakhali: The authorities of the Seema Buddhist Monastery in Mishripara, Kuakata (Patuakhali), have imposed an indefinite ban on the entry of tourists and visitors. This decision follows an assault on the president of the monastery’s management committee, which stemmed from a dispute over the monastery’s boundaries. The decision was reached during a protest meeting held by the Rakhine community on the monastery premises on Wednesday afternoon, where participants demanded that the attackers be brought to justice and given exemplary punishment. A formal written complaint has been filed with the Mahipur Police Station regarding the incident.

According to the monastery authorities, on the morning of Tuesday, October 13, a dispute arose when the monastery management attempted to construct a small shop structure within its own boundaries. Local residents Samsul Alam and Nasir Hawladar intervened, claiming the land belonged to them. During the altercation, Nasir Hawladar, Samsul Alam, and their associates launched a sudden attack on the monastery’s president, Monglachin, and beat him. In response, members of the Rakhine community from various neighborhoods gathered on Wednesday, October 14, to hold a protest. Following the meeting, the monastery authorities announced that the site would remain closed to tourists and visitors until the attackers are held accountable.

Regarding the incident, monastery president Monglachin explained that shopkeepers operating in front of the monastery had been polluting the environment by dumping trash within the monastery’s premises. To protect the local environment, the monastery authorities had begun constructing a small structure on Tuesday morning. Samsul Alam and Nasir Hawladar obstructed the construction, claiming the land as their own, and subsequently launched a surprise attack on Monglachin. He further alleged that, due to an error during the BS (Bangladesh Survey) land survey, some land within the monastery’s boundary wall was incorrectly recorded in their names. Despite the official documentation confirming the land belongs to the monastery, they are now attempting to seize property belonging to the century-old temple, citing only the erroneous BS survey record. 

When contacted via mobile phone to discuss this matter, Nasir Howlader repeatedly disconnected the calls; consequently, it was not possible to obtain his statement.

Emang Talukdar, president of the Patuakhali District Rakhine Buddhist Welfare Association, stated that Samsul Alam, Nasir, and their associates have long been attempting to seize the land belonging to the 'Seema Buddhist Vihar'—a place of worship for the Rakhine community. This attack is a continuation of those efforts. We demand justice. Until justice is served, they have declared the Seema Buddhist Vihar closed to tourists and visitors.

Regarding this incident, Md. Shamim Howlader, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Mahipur Police Station, stated that a written complaint has been received concerning the assault on the president of the Vihar. Legal action will be taken following an investigation. - Gofran Palash