Despite no directive from superiors, police official orders 'no carrom, no TV' at Kushtia market during Taraweeh
The police official, Moshiul, claimed he spoke under instructions from higher authorities and that no action has been taken against anyone
A plainclothes police official ordered the suspension of carrom games and television viewing during Taraweeh prayers at Patikabari Bazar in Kushtia Sadar upazila on Friday evening (20 February), despite there being no such directive from senior authorities.
The incident occurred during a visit by Kushtia-3 (Sadar) lawmaker Amir Hamza to the market. He was accompanied by Moshiul Azam, in-charge of Patikabari Police Camp under the Islamic University Police Station, who was in plain clothes at the time.
A video that later circulated on social media shows Moshiul standing in front of a tea stall and speaking in a stern tone.
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"They are playing carrom there. Did I not shut it down? Why is it continuing? Did I not call the market committee and say that for the entire month of Taraweeh prayers, there will be no carrom, no TV? Why is it still running?" he is heard saying.
In the same video, MP Amir Hamza is heard saying in a softer tone, "Ramadan is a month of worship. Whatever you do, make sure these activities do not take place during prayer time."
The following night, at around 8pm, most shops in the market were found closed, while some that remained open had partially lowered shutters. A television was seen running at one tea stall, though no carrom games were observed.
The incident has since sparked discussion and criticism among locals.
The owner of the tea stall, requesting anonymity, said a few regular customers gather there to watch television.
A local member, Kashem, said abruptly shutting down such activities is not appropriate.
"Young people also need some recreation. Even chairmen and members come to play occasionally," he said, adding that playing carrom for money, however, is not desirable.
When contacted, Moshiul Azam claimed he spoke under instructions from higher authorities and that no action has been taken against anyone.
However, Masud Rana, officer-in-charge of the Islamic University Police Station, said no such directive has been issued to subordinates.
Kushtia Superintendent of Police Jasem Uddin also clarified that the matter did not involve any official police order.
"This is not a police directive. Whether tea stalls remain open during fasting hours is not a legal issue; it is a matter of personal sentiment," he said, adding that there is no scope for punitive action.
