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Indigenous Lands Forcibly Seized by Muslim Groups in Chittagong Hill Tracts
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
News ၊ April 25, 2026
The Bangladesh-based Hill Voice media outlet reports that local Muslim groups are forcibly seizing lands and cemetery grounds belonging to indigenous peoples in the hill regions of Bandarban District, Bangladesh.
Students from the Bandarban Press Club (Pree Club) recently held protests to expose the forced occupation of indigenous Mirinja lands and cemeteries in Lama Township, Bandarban.
The student group stated that there are ongoing attempts to encroach upon ancestral lands held by indigenous generations. They alleged that these lands are being unjustly seized through the use of fraudulent documentation.
Furthermore, the report highlights an increase in deforestation, the destruction of hills, and activities damaging water resources in the region. These environmental impacts are said to be severely affecting the livelihoods of local residents.
The Press Club student group added that indigenous people in the area are facing various forms of pressure, harassment, and false accusations. They have called on relevant authorities to conduct an unbiased investigation and deliver justice as soon as possible.
It is also reported that forced conversions to Islam are on the rise among the Buddhist and Hindu indigenous populations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
The situation is reportedly intensifying in Bandarban District, including Lama, Alikadam, and Thanchi townships. Allegations have surfaced that these religious impositions are backed by the Bangladeshi government and military.
According to an incident on March 29, Bangladeshi media reported that local Muslim groups are also forcibly seizing cemetery lands in Sukkara (a Rakhine village) located in the Chakaria Township of Cox’s Bazar District.
Source@onenationnews
