Buddhist temple reportedly vandalised, idols damaged in Cox's Bazar land dispute

A Buddhist temple has been attacked and Buddha statues vandalised in Ukhia upazila of Cox's Bazar following a land dispute. Several homes of the Tanchangya community were also attacked, leaving locals in fear of further violence.

The incident occurred around 4:30pm on Friday (July 31) in the Chenchhari area of Jaliapalong Union, Ward No. 7, according to locals.

Local Sardar Mong Chowdhury alleged that a group of around 200 people, led by Nurul Haq, arrived at the scene in connection with a land dispute that has been ongoing since 2007. He claimed that the attackers vandalised the Chenchhari Buddhist Vihara in the presence of Forest Department officials. At least three Buddha statues were damaged in the attack. Several homes of the Tanchangya community were also attacked during the same period.

Mong Chowdhury said they are living in extreme insecurity and fear another attack at any time.

Several images circulating on social media show broken Buddha statues inside the temple, though their authenticity could not be independently verified.

The Chakma-Tanchangya Student Council (Ukhia-Teknaf) condemned the incident. Its general secretary, Nepal Chakma, demanded the swift arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved, along with security assurances for indigenous families living in the area.

Kanchan Barua Bishal, general secretary of the Cox's Bazar District Buddha Purnima Celebration Council, also condemned the incident, saying Cox's Bazar has long been known for communal harmony and such incidents go against that tradition. He called for legal action against those responsible and effective measures to prevent recurrence.

Cox's Bazar Superintendent of Police A N M Sazedur Rahman said the administration is aware of the matter. While it is initially believed to be a land-related dispute, nothing can be confirmed until the investigation is complete.

He said additional security has been deployed in the area, and legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in the investigation.

Attempts were made to contact the Forest Department and Nurul Haq for comment, but no immediate response was available.