Bangladesh Cultural Diversity Council Demands Action on the Destruction of the Rakhine People's Cremation Wall in Bangladesh

News March 2, 2026

Local Rakhine People and Disputed Areas (photocrd)

In Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar District, Moheshkhali Township, Gorakghata area, the Bangladesh Cultural Diversity Council has strongly protested the demolition of the boundary wall of a historic cremation site belonging to Rakhine Buddhists, which has a 300-year history, and the continued construction interference. This was announced in a statement released on March 1, as reported by Hill Voice News.

The incident is described as an attack on religious rights and cultural heritage, and the council has demanded justice and urgent action from the state.

On February 25, a group led by Arman Sikder, nephew of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Hekmat Sikder, arrived at the construction site, threatened the workers, and demolished the partially built wall, according to reports.

In the statement signed by the council's General Secretary Maung Aye Khin Maung, it states that cremation sites are places that preserve the religious and emotional symbols of human society, and such destruction violates the freedom of religion and human rights guaranteed by the constitution.

Furthermore, it expresses concern over the spread of politically and religiously misinterpreted meanings related to the incident on social networks, and urges avoidance of inflammatory statements until an official investigation is completed.

The council has made the following five demands:

1. Form a transparent investigative committee to uncover the true causes of the incident.

2. Identify those involved, take legal action against them, and impose exemplary punishment.

3. Rebuild the destroyed wall as soon as possible and provide administrative assistance to enable continued construction.

4. Provide long-term security guarantees for Rakhine community religious and cultural organizations.

5. Have administrative bodies, people's representatives, and religious leaders collaborate to maintain inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony in the area.

The statement emphasizes that Bangladesh is a country rich in cultural and religious diversity, and no form of terrorism or propaganda should be allowed to undermine this diversity. It urges the government to take visible steps to protect the dignity and existence of the minority Rakhine community.

source@Hill Voice News, Bangladesh Cultural Diversity Council (BCDC)