5 Sunamganj families in panic for days

Five families including a retired teacher are passing days amid utter sufferings and insecurity due to ostracism by a panchayet (village committee) at Ziapur village of Chhatak upazila in Sunamganj.

Victim families filed a petition with Chhatak Police Station on October 25, stating that panchayet president Nur Islam and its members Shafiq Mia, Anor Uddin, Rafiq Uddin and Ramjan Mia imposed the order, forbidding villagers to engage in any interaction with the five families.

But no action has been taken to rescue the victims so far. 

There was a long standing feud between retired teacher Masuk Mia and Panchayet member Shafiq Mia over a land dispute, locals and victims said.

Recently Masuk Mia's son Mahbub Mia posted a Facebook status about the land and Shafiq Mia.

On October 22, Nur Islam and Shafiq called an emergency panchayet meeting and declared the order against the five families including Masuk Mia and his relatives at the village.

"We are in serious trouble and insecurity. I wish I could die to end the suffering," said octogenarian Takhlis Mia, one of the victims, breaking down in tears.

Khosru Mia, another victim, said he is suffering with his family as he cannot open his shop at Pargona Bazar for the last several days due to the panchayet order.

Victims Shah Alam and Ashak Mia said they are passing days in panic due following the panchayet decision. 

Panchayet chief Nur Islam said Masuk Mia and his relatives ignored the panchayet decision and so, the five families were ostracised as per panchayet rule.

Shafiq attempted to justify what he had done, saying, "Masuk Mia's son brought false accusations against me."

Ashek Suja Mamun, officer-in-charge of Chhatak Police Station, said, "We received a written complaint in this regard. After investigation we will take legal action."