No permission to build religious structures on govt land: Foreign Ministry

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday responded to recent media reports regarding the removal of a temporary mandap in Khilkhet, Dhaka, stressing that constructing religious structures on government land without permission is strictly prohibited.

Last year, during Durga Puja, a temporary mandap was erected by the local Hindu community on land owned by Bangladesh Railway without prior approval. Though permission was later granted on the condition that the pandal would be removed after the festival, the organizers refused to dismantle it when Puja ended in October 2024. They even installed an idol of ‘Mahakali’ and attempted to make the pandal permanent.

Despite multiple warnings, the organizers ignored the Railway authorities. In December 2024, the Railway issued a public notice calling for the removal of hundreds of unauthorized structures—including shops and political offices—along the railway tracks, essential for an ongoing railway expansion project.

After continued non-compliance, Bangladesh Railway ordered the removal of all illegal structures on June 24-25. The operation was peacefully completed on June 26, with the local Hindu community participating respectfully. The idol from the temporary pandal was immersed in the nearby Balu River.

The Foreign Ministry underscored that reclaiming government land is a lawful and regular administrative process. While the government ensures full protection of all places of worship, unauthorized occupation and construction on government land is not allowed.

Bangladesh remains committed to safeguarding the rights of all communities and promoting an inclusive society where everyone can freely practice their faith. The Ministry called on all parties to avoid reacting without verifying facts.