Tension gripped the Nayasarak area of Sylhet city after an altercation broke out over the alleged attempt to seize land designated for a puja mandap, with chaos unfolding in front of police officers.
A video circulating on social media shows a heated exchange between a local Hindu woman and a leader of Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The incident reportedly took place in the presence of law enforcement personnel, who were seen struggling to control the situation as it escalated into pushing and shoving.
According to local sources and allegations from residents, the land in question has long been used for religious purposes by the Hindu community. However, following the recent political shift, allegations have surfaced that local Jubo Dal leader Kollol Jyoti Biswas Joy is attempting to take control of the site.
Residents claim that the leader allegedly used a local Hindu woman as a front to create a dispute over ownership of the property—an allegation that has sparked widespread discussion in the area.
In the widely shared video, the leader is heard repeatedly demanding, “Show the documents, show the papers,” while confronting the woman. The situation became increasingly tense as the woman reacted angrily, leading to a physical scuffle. Police officers and bystanders were seen intervening to prevent further escalation.
Witnesses said the matter has deeply affected the local Hindu community, as the site holds religious significance. Many residents have expressed concern that any attempt to seize land associated with religious worship could undermine communal harmony.
Local residents have called for a fair and prompt investigation. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one resident said, “Using a woman as a shield to attempt grabbing land belonging to a religious institution is highly condemnable. We want the administration to uncover the truth and take strict action against those responsible.”
Although police were present at the scene and managed to restore order, no official confirmation has been given regarding arrests or the filing of a case.
An official from Sylhet Metropolitan Police said that law enforcement personnel responded to the scene and brought the situation under control. “The matter is being looked into. Legal action will be taken if anyone attempts to take the law into their own hands,” the officer said.
Sylhet, often regarded as a city known for communal harmony, has seen growing concern among civil society members over the incident. They stressed the need for vigilance to ensure that political influence is not used to interfere with religious institutions.
