Allegations have been raised against the family members of Rahima Khatun-a former female member of Wards 4, 5, and 6-for assaulting a woman and her two school-going daughters over a land dispute in Chakdhala village, Naikhongchari Upazila, Bandarban. The affected family alleges that the group entered their home on Monday (September 14) and carried out the assault. The injured victims are Hasina Akter (40) of Chakdhala village and her two daughters, Rifa Akter and Sadia Moni. Rifa is a tenth-grade student, and Sadia is in the eighth grade.

Sadia Moni, injured in the attack, is currently undergoing treatment at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital. Her mother, Hasina Akter, received treatment at the Naikhongchari Upazila Health Complex. The affected family claims they had previously been attacked on July 21 over the same land dispute. Following that incident, Hasina Akter and her two daughters were admitted to the Naikhongchari Upazila Health Complex with injuries. They underwent various medical examinations there. Later, they filed a General Diary (GD) at the Naikhongchari Police Station. The family claims that on the day of the July 21 incident, nearly all the fruit-bearing trees on their property were cut down.

They estimate the resulting financial loss to be around two lakh taka. According to the affected family, meetings involving both parties had previously been held at the Naikhongchari Police Station to resolve the dispute. However, the opposing party left without accepting any verdict or decision, despite the police mediation attempt. The land dispute persisted thereafter. Hasina Akter alleges that, most recently, on September 14, members of the opposing party entered their home as a group. She claims that she and her two daughters were beaten during the incident. Their mobile phones were also snatched away.

Later, a Sub-Inspector from the police station visited the scene, recovered the mobile phones, and returned them to the family. Hasina Akter said, “They have been harassing and tormenting us in various ways for a long time due to a land dispute. When we were assaulted on July 21, my two daughters and I had to be hospitalized. I also filed a General Diary (GD) at the police station regarding that incident.

On that day, they cut down almost all the fruit-bearing trees on our property, causing a loss of approximately two lakh taka.” She added, “Since then, meetings involving both parties have been held at the police station multiple times. However, they left without accepting any arbitration or decision made in the presence of the police. Despite this, the pressure on us continued. Most recently, on September 14, a group of them entered our home and assaulted me and my two daughters. My younger daughter, Sadia Moni, is currently undergoing treatment at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.”

Hasina Akter alleged, “They are cutting down trees in front of our house and attempting to build a structure there. They even entered our home and took away our mobile phones. Later, Sub-Inspector (SI) Saddam Hossain from the police station recovered and returned them to us. We seek security and a fair resolution to this dispute from the administration.” The family further alleges that the accused are using their influence to cut down trees in front of the house and forcibly construct a structure in the homestead’s courtyard. They also claim to have been subjected to prolonged harassment and attempts to seize their land.

Regarding this matter, Sub-Inspector Saddam Hossain of Naikhongchhari Police Station said, “I personally visited the site and ordered the accused to stop. Despite that, they proceeded with the construction. We will take necessary action based on the complaint.” Mohammad Mozammel Haque, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Naikhongchari Police Station, stated, “I am aware of the matter. We will take necessary measures once a formal complaint is received.” Comments from former female member Rahima Khatun, her husband Amir Hamza, and the other accused regarding the allegations could not be obtained immediately.