Stage prepared for Pahela Baishakh at Chattogram's DC Hill vandalised

A group of unidentified individuals disrupted preparations for Pahela Baishakh at Chattogram's DC Hill this evening (13 April) by attacking and damaging the stage constructed by the Sammilita Pahela Baishakh Udjapon Parishad.

According to organisers, around 40 to 50 youths stormed the stage at DC Hill around 7:15pm, wrecking the setup meant for the Bengali New Year festivities scheduled to begin tomorrow morning. 

Sucharit Dash Khokan, coordinator of the parishad, told TBS, "We had completed all preparations, including the stage and related arrangements, when the miscreants attacked."

Visuals from the scene showed broken chairs, a damaged stage structure, torn pandal cloth, and ripped banners. 

Chattogram Kotwali Police Station OC Md Abdul Karim said, "Our forces were already deployed at the venue. We thwarted the attack by miscreants, and the situation is now normal."

The vandalism has raised concerns among organisers, but authorities assured that measures are in place to ensure a smooth event tomorrow.

The Sammilita Pahela Baishakh Udjapon Parishad has been organising Bengali New Year events at DC Hill for the past 46 years. This year, marking their 47th celebration, the organisers faced uncertainty after applying for permission on 13 February. 

Initially, the district administration delayed approval citing security concerns. Following a meeting on April 10, permission was granted to hold the event from morning to afternoon, with conditions including pre-submission of song lists and a directive to avoid "controversial" songs or poems. 

The event must conclude by 4 pm, despite the organisers' request for an extension until 5pm. A monitoring committee led by an executive magistrate was also appointed to oversee the festivities. 

Around 60 cultural organisations are expected to participate in this year's celebrations.