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Published : 25 Dec 2024, 08:09 PM
Seventeen houses in a Tripura community village in Lama Upazila of Bandarban district have been destroyed by fire while the residents were attending Christmas celebrations outside their homes.
The incident occurred late Wednesday night in New Betchhara Tripura village, located in Ward No. 8 of Sarai Union of Lama Upazila, according to Lama Police Station chief Enamul Haque Bhuiyan.
Jamal Uddin, a local union council member, said a Christmas event was being held in the nearby Tonggyajhiri village on Wednesday night. All residents of Betchhara village had gone to attend the event when 17 out of 19 houses in Betchhara were burned to ashes.
Quoting locals, Jamal said all houses in the village were made of bamboo and straw. It takes about half an hour to travel from Tonggyajhiri to Betachhara. By the time residents realised the fire had started and rushed back, 17 homes had already been reduced to ashes.
Ajarang Tripura, a resident of Betchhara, explained that they had all gone to Tonggyajhiri village for the Christmas celebrations on Wednesday night. After prayers, around 12:30am, they noticed a fire blazing in their village.
He added that none of the village residents were at home during the fire due to recent threats.
“For some time now, there have been threats to leave the village, so we decided not to leave anyone behind.”
He alleged, “Although many homes are adjacent, some are spread apart. It is impossible for the fire to spread to those distant houses on its own.”
When asked who had issued the threats, he refrained from providing a clear answer.
Johnny Tripura, a resident of Tonggyajhiri, said: “The residents of Betchhara were all enjoying the Christmas celebrations in our village. Since no one was there during the fire, it is unclear whether it was an accident or a deliberate act.”
“However, there has been a dispute over the land in the village. Associates of former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed have been claiming the land as their purchased property. This is why the area is locally known as the ‘ASP Land’.”
Ganesh Tripura, another resident of Tonggyajhiri, added: “Only two homes in Betchhara remain intact. The affected families will temporarily take shelter in our village. The matter has been reported to the union council and Upazila administration.”
Union Council Member Jamal added, “After receiving the news, blankets, dry food, and two sacks of rice have been provided by the council.”
Rupayan Deb, assistant commissioner (land) acting as Lama UNO, said: “Upon receiving the news, I visited the site. The 17 affected families have been given 34 blankets and dry food. Additional support has also been provided by the union council.”
Regarding the allegations, he said: “I have asked them to submit a formal written complaint if they have specific accusations.
“There is no land ownership in Benazir Ahmed’s name here. Regardless of whose name it is under, they have been asked to submit a written complaint if there is any issue regarding the land.”
He added, “The victims have also mentioned instances of extortion by certain groups. They should submit these allegations in writing. There is no room for forced land grabbing or extortion here.”
Lama Police Station chief Enamul said: “I visited the scene after hearing about the fire. The victims have made some allegations, and investigations are under way.”
