Four Families Ostracized in Comilla After Filing Land Dispute Lawsuit
Photo Collected
LAKSAM, COMILLA — Four families in the Ichapura village of Comilla’s Laksam Upazila are living in fear of social ostracization after local leaders publicly announced their expulsion from the community via loudspeaker. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, followed a property dispute that escalated when one party sought legal recourse in court instead of adhering to local arbitration.
The public declaration, which has since circulated on social media, ordered the residents of Ichapura to sever all social, commercial, and financial ties with the four affected families. The announcement accused the families—led by Momin Ali—of disregarding local social committee rules and legal norms.
Momin Ali stated that the ostracization has severely impacted their daily lives, noting that family members are being shunned in local shops and subjected to threats. “We are effectively being treated as outcasts. Even our children are being harassed when they go out,” Momin said.
The conflict stems from a long-standing dispute over 7.5 decimals of land between Momin Ali and Alamgir Hossain, a local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). While local arbitration had been scheduled for August 20, Momin Ali filed a lawsuit against Alamgir Hossain and two others on July 2, citing a breakdown in the mediation process.
Allegations have been leveled against Alamgir Hossain for spearheading the social boycott to retaliate against the legal challenge. However, Alamgir has denied orchestrating the public announcement, even while confirming the ongoing property dispute.
The situation drew the attention of local authorities, prompting Laksam Police and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) to intervene. On Wednesday, both parties were summoned to the police station. Following the intervention, the community committee reportedly withdrew the social boycott, and the opposing party issued an apology to the affected families.
Laksam Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kazi Kamrun Nahar Laili condemned the act, emphasizing that filing a court case is a fundamental legal right. “It is unacceptable to ostracize families for pursuing legal justice. We have verified the incident, and although the parties have reached an internal agreement to resolve the matter, the victims retain the right to have their formal complaint registered as an FIR if they choose to pursue further legal action,” she stated.
Despite the withdrawal of the boycott, the affected families remain in a state of apprehension. The court case filed by Momin Ali regarding the land dispute remains active.
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