*Date*: November 18, 2024

On November *18, 2024*, an unexpected situation unfolded in *Shashikore, a 100%* Hindu village, when a group of individuals from *Madaripur,* including several coordinators, local guardians, external clerics *(hujurs),* and Muslim youth, arrived with specific demands. This led to escalating tensions in the area.

*_Key Events of the Incident:_*

*1. Arrival of the Group in Shashikore:*

The group arrived in Shashikore without prior notice and immediately made a demand for the construction of a *mosque inside* the college hostel, which is part of a *Hindu-majority area.*

They also requested the installation of a loudspeaker in the current prayer room to facilitate the calling of prayers *(adhan).*

*2. Community Response and Initial Discussion:*

° Local leaders and villagers gathered to discuss the matter and suggested that the issue be resolved through a dialogue with the *college president.*

° The group *left* after the meeting, agreeing that a formal discussion would take place later with the college president for a decision.

*3. Intervention of Local Authorities:*

° Soon after, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer *(UNO)* arrived in the village and took College *Principal Dr. Durbanand* Bhowmick and Headmaster Sunith Talukdar Sintu to the UNO’s office for further talks regarding the demands.

*4. Pressure and Forced Resignation:*

° At the *UNO office,* a large crowd of individuals, believed to be part of the orchestrated effort, began pressuring the college officials to resign.

° The situation appeared *pre-planned,* and the officials were given an ultimatum.

*5. Principal’s Resignation:*

° After intense pressure, at around *10:30 PM,* Principal *Dr. Durbanand Bhowmick* was forced to resign from his position under duress, giving in to the demands.

*_Conclusion:_*

The incident in Shashikore has raised serious concerns about the escalating tensions in the region. Local leaders and community members are alarmed by the premeditated nature of the event and the pressure applied on educational authorities. The authorities are investigating the incident, and calls for calm and dialogue have been made to avoid further conflict.

*_Other Detail/ Summary_*

Hindu Village Shashikore Faces Religious Pressure, Principal Resigns Amid Mosque Dispute.