Islamists in Bangladesh are constructing a mosque by illegally grabbing land of a century-old Hindu temple. It may be mentioned here that, Kantaji Temple is located in Dinajpur district in Bangladesh, whereas centuries ago, total 156.53 acres of land was registered in the name of Maharaja Jagdish Nath Roy who represented Sri Sri Kantaji Vigraha and since then the historic Kantaji Temple has turned into a pilgrimage site for hundreds and thousands of Hindus from Bangladesh and abroad.
Kantanagar Temple, commonly known as Kantaji Temple or Kantajew Temple at Kantanagar, is a Hindu temple in Dinajpur district in Bangladesh. The Kantajew Temple is a religious edifice belonging to the 18th century. The temple belongs to the Hindu Kanta or Krishna. Built by Maharaja Pran Nath, its construction started in 1704 CE and ended in the reign of his son Raja Ramnath in 1722 CE. It is an example of terracotta architecture in Bangladesh and once had nine spires, but all were destroyed in an earthquake that took place in 1897.
According to media reports, a group of Islamists have grabbed the temple land for constructing a 3-storied mosque complex. Accordingly, a ceremony was organized for laying the foundation of the mosque with Zakaria Jaka, a local lawmaker from ruling Awami League. Hindu rights groups have condemned such acts stating construction of the mosque is being initiated by illegally occupying temple land through falsified documents. At this incident local Hindus have expressed extremely discontent saying, constructing mosque on Hindu temple land is not only illegal but at the same time, such heinous acts clearly prove the state of Hindus in Bangladesh, who are being systematically persecuted for decades – even after Bangladesh was liberated in 1971 as a secularist nation.
It may be mentioned here that Zakaria Jaka, the Member of Parliament from Dinajpur-1 constituency, is actively supporting this notorious attempt of constructing the mosque on temple property. It is alleged that the lawmaker laid foundation stone for the mosque on March 1, 2024 although he is fully aware that the land belongs to Kantajew Temple.
Ranjit Kumar Singh, the representative of Dinajpur Raj Devottar Estate, has lodged a formal complaint with the District Commissioner requesting the cessation of construction activities. Both the district and upazila administrations have confirmed that construction work has been halted following the complaint. But it is well-anticipated that the construction work of the mosque shall eventually continue as district administration is saying, a final decision on the ownership of the land “shall be reached after thorough verification of the documents submitted by both the parties”.
Meanwhile, local Hindu community members are voicing protest stating the construction of the mosque actually is continuing.
In the written complaint, it is stated, “Mozammel Haque, the secretary of the mosque committee claimed that the land for the mosque was granted to them by the DC Dinajpur in 1976. When requested to provide documentation, he produced a photocopy of a handwritten three-page affidavit. Upon scrutiny, it was revealed that the purported document neither constituted an official allotment nor was it a registered land deed. Furthermore, the document failed to indicate any transfer of ownership. It was concluded that the affidavit appeared to be counterfeit and fabricated”.
Furthermore, referencing Section 51DLR of 1999, it is emphasized that inheritance is non-transferrable and perpetual. The unauthorized construction of a mosque on Raj Debottar Estate’s property has sparked outrage among the Sanatan religious community in the vicinity. Consequently, I urge you to take immediate action to halt the ongoing construction”.
Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Parishad has expressed concern regarding the unauthorized construction of a mosque on the revered grounds of the historic Kantajew Temple in Dinajpur. They said the temple holds significant religious importance for Hindus, serving as a sacred pilgrimage site steeped in ancient heritage. Leaders of the Parishad have appealed for the intervention of the key policymakers of the government to safeguard the sanctity and preservation of the temple.
Dinajpur District Superintendent of Police, Shah Iftekhar Ahmed, informed the media that an effort was underway to construct a mosque by establishing permanent infrastructure on the disputed land adjacent to the temple.
On Friday, March 22, Ranjit Kumar Singh, representative of Dinajpur Raj Devottar Estate informed reporters that a mosque is being constructed on land belonging to the Kantajew Temple in Kantnagar Mauza. However, there is no land record under their ownership. He stated, “I learnt from news reports that no construction activity was taking place. However, if work proceeds clandestinely under the cover of darkness, who will impede it?”
Members of the Sanatan community, aggrieved by the construction of a mosque on the temple grounds, assert that the Kantajew Temple holds sacred significance as a pilgrimage site for Sanatan adherents, boasting a rich heritage. The expansive land surrounding the temple has remained unused for an extended period. Seizing this opportunity, a group erected a mosque using tin sheds initially, and now efforts are underway to construct a permanent structure. They further allege that certain individuals are endeavoring to disrupt communal harmony in the area through these actions.
Meanwhile, local Muslims claim that the landowner of the disputed property is the Jame Masjid of Kantnagar village.
On March 13, Ranjit Kumar Singh, the representative of Raj Devottar Estate, lodged a written complaint with the Deputy Commissioner. He stated, “The CS No. 2 Khatian in Kantnagar Mauza of Kaharol Upazila is registered in the name of Hon’ble Maharaja Jagdish Nath Roy, representing Sri Sri Kantajew Vigraha, encompassing 94.07 acres of land under that Khatian.
Additionally, SA No. 05 Khatian holds 62.46 acres of land across 19 dags, under the ownership of Dinajpur Raj Debottar Estate, with the Deputy Commissioner acting as the leaseholder. Land rent is up to date as of Bengal 1430. On March 10, I became aware of the construction of a concrete mosque on Plot No. 16 of Kantanagar Mauza, situated on the property of Raj Devottar Estate. Upon visiting the construction site on March 11, I observed the mosque being erected on Plot No. 16 of Khatian, SA No. 5, Kantanagar Mauza, belonging to Raj Devottar Estate”.
Former Member of Parliament of the constituency, Manoranjan Shil Gopal, asserted that the current local MP knowingly laid the foundation stone for the mosque’s construction on March 1, 2024. It appears that he is actively supporting the mosque’s construction efforts on the temple property.
Gopal has contacted district administration and expressed dissatisfaction for the lethargy in saving the temple property. He criticized the administration for wasting time discussing solutions while construction of the mosque continues unabated. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue promptly, as once the mosque is completed, reversing the construction would be challenging. He stressed the importance of taking preemptive measures to effectively address the situation.
