UPDF Accused of Attempting Land Grab Under Guise of Establishing Buddhist Monastery in Lakshmichhari

News Desk

The United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), led by Prasit Bikash Khisa, has allegedly taken a new approach to occupy government-owned land in the Lakshmichhari upazila of Khagrachhari district. According to security forces, the group has attempted to use religious identity as a cover to establish dominance in the area.

The incident took place in the Barmachhari Mouth area, where a signboard reading “Mangal Mitra Buddhist Monastery” was recently installed. Local sources and security personnel confirmed that no such monastery had ever existed in the location before.

Following a UPDF-organized gathering on October 24, the signboard was placed at the site. However, during a routine patrol on Sunday (October 26), security personnel found no temple, no infrastructure, and no signs of any religious establishment behind the signboard.

Officials believe the move was a deliberate attempt to illegally occupy government forest land by invoking religious sentiment to prevent intervention and to enable future constructions under the pretext of religious activity.

Security officials further noted that the UPDF has long engaged in illegal armed activities in the region. They suggest that the strategy is linked to the recent initiative to establish a new army camp nearby—an initiative the group is reportedly trying to resist.

“Land grabbing under religious cover is unacceptable. Installing a signboard alone does not justify ownership of public land. Such attempts will be prevented with firm action,” a military official said.

Local residents expressed concern that the UPDF may be seeking to use religious symbolism and public emotion to fortify its shrinking influence after security presence in the region strengthened.

Authorities confirmed that the matter is being thoroughly investigated and that strict surveillance will continue to maintain peace and prevent unlawful activities.

Security forces reiterated their zero-tolerance policy against any activities that threaten stability and normal life in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

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