Local admin, police take legal actions against Jhenaidah village's self-imposed ban on music, hawkers, and Hijras

An unofficial ban on playing musical instruments, hawkers, and the entry of individuals from the Hijra community imposed in a Jhenaidah village was lifted after local administration and law enforcement took action against the decision.

A meeting regarding this ban was reportedly held at the village mosque under the leadership of Enamul Haque, president of the Shorotala mosque committee. 

About 15 days ago, the people present at the meeting put up this notice in the village.

Upon learning about the matter, the local administration and law enforcement took action.

Harinakundu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdur Rouf said, "After learning about the issue, we have taken legal measures. No one can impose their own laws."

Harinakundu UNO BM Tariq-uz-Zaman said, "Only those who imposed this ban can explain their intentions. But society belongs to everyone, and no one can create their own laws.

"If anyone enforces such actions, legal measures will be taken. Everyone has the right to freedom," he added.

Enamul Haque, the accused president of the mosque committee, said, "Many of us were present at the meeting when this decision was made. The hijras extort money from villagers, and young people play loud music. Considering the villagers' problems, this decision was taken. However, we now realise that it was a mistake on our part."  

Mashiur Rahman, headmaster of Sharotala Government Primary School, who attended the meeting, said, "I was present at the meeting, and we all made the decision together. I didn't realise it would escalate to this extent. However, it was not right for me to be involved in such an unlawful act."  

Previously the village elders claimed the move was taken to prevent conflicts, reduce violence, and help young people focus on their studies. They also argued that Hijra individuals' "misconducts" after entering the village led to the decision as well.

Violators of this rule had been warned of a Tk4,000 fine, as stated in a notice written on non-judicial stamps and posted across Shorotala village in Harinakundu Upazila recently.

Despite the illegality of such actions, some villagers supported the decision, while the majority expressed their dissatisfaction.  

The incident has sparked outrage among cultural activists in the district, who condemned the decision as a violation of existing laws.

"Those who imposed this rule are acting against society. Legal action must be taken against them, or they will continue such actions in the future. People must learn to accept diversity," said cultural activist Nazim Uddin Julius.

Shorotala village is about 4.5 km from the town and has a literacy rate of 95%. The village, known for its rich cultural and literary heritage, has around 2,500 residents, including 1,500 registered voters.

The notice, posted on multiple walls of homes and businesses in the village, stated, "This is to inform all residents of Shorotala village that playing musical instruments is strictly prohibited. Violators will face legal action and a fine of Tk4,000. Parents of violators will also face legal consequences."

It further added, "Hawkers and Hijras are banned from entering the village. Since 95% of our residents are educated, and about 20 are government officials, this decision has been made for the sake of the new generation's future."

Eighteen individuals, including people from political and teaching backgrounds, reportedly signed the notice without informing the local administration.

The village elders even included the official contact number of the Harinakundu upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) in the handwritten document.

Shorotala village resident Korban Ali said, "How can children study if music is played at night? It also disturbs sick people. The hijras forcefully collect money from villagers while playing loud music. Hawkers also use loud horns. That is why the villagers made this decision."  

Korban Ali, president of Ward No 1 BNP in Falshi Union, who was also present at the meeting, said, "Around two months ago, some young people in the village were playing DJ music at a high volume. Nearby, an elderly man named Usman Ali, who was ill, felt discomfort. Some villagers asked the youths to stop playing the music, but they did not listen, leading to an argument. Following this incident, discussions were held in two village mosques, where the decision to ban musical instruments was made."