Sagaing, Myanmar – The trustee of the historic Sagaing Guard-Dan Mosque has been ordered by the Sagaing District Police Chief to dismantle the mosque, vacate the premises, and surrender the land permanently.

This decision has sparked concern among the local Muslim community, particularly as the land in question—along with the adjacent police station—was originally purchased and donated by a Muslim police officer, Abdul Rahim Baksh, in the early 1900s.

According to historical records, Abdul Rahim Baksh was a decorated officer who received a Bravery Award from the British Indian Governor prior to Myanmar’s independence. In 1902, he purchased the land with his own funds and personally oversaw the construction of both the mosque and the police station, due to their distance from his residence, as the old police station was near what is now the Sagaing District Office.

This is not the first attempt to seize the mosque land. During the tenure of former Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, a similar attempt by government authorities was amicably resolved after documentary evidence and land deeds were submitted, proving the rightful ownership by the Muslim community.

The legacy continued with Police Officer Md. Ullah, a family member of Abdul Rahim Baksh, who served as the mosque’s trustee and was later honored in 1954 by President Dr. Ba Oo for his bravery and public service.

Community leaders argue that both the mosque and police station occupy land legally purchased and developed by a Muslim benefactor. If the current district authorities find the proximity of the mosque to the police station unsuitable, the appropriate and just solution would be to relocate the police station—not dismantle the mosque.

The decision has drawn criticism from local Muslim residents and rights groups, who view the move as discriminatory and unjust. Many fear this could set a dangerous precedent for the expropriation of other religious properties.

The Myanmar Muslims News Network (MMNN) urges the relevant authorities to reconsider the order and uphold the historical and legal integrity of the mosque property, which has served the community for over a century.