71 orgs condemn Narayangaj administration for not allowing Lalon festival after threats by Hefazat leaders

Seventy-one political, cultural and social organisations have condemned the Naryanganj administration for not issuing permits to organise the yearly "Sadhu Songo and Lalon Mela", a cultural festival of followers of Lalon Shah, in Kashipur of the district in line with demands from Hefazat-e-Islam leaders.

In a joint press statement issued today (24 November), the organisations said, "The Muktidham Ashram and Lalon Academy wanted to organise the event on 22-23 November. However, the district administration compromised with the unscrupulous communal groups and did not allow the festival to be held following interventions by some local communal groups." 

"Sadhu and Lalan devotees from different parts of the country, including Kushtia, participated in this fair which has been held for the past seven years," the organisations said.

"Our culture is formed by the combination of many religions, many ways of thinking and many ethnic groups. We consider the prohibition on Lalan Mela as an attack and conspiracy against our culture," they added.

The groups said the district administration's stance on the matter is against the ideals of multiculturalism and pluralism established by the mass uprising. "We strongly condemn this disgraceful role of the administration."

The organisations include the Narayanganj Nagorik Committee, Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, Bangladesh Communist Party, NAP Narayanganj Committee, BSD Narayanganj Committee, Workers Party and others.

Earlier, on 21 November, Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammod Mahmudul Hoque denied permission to hold the festival citing security reasons following demands from local Hefazat-e-Islam leaders.

"Local Hefazat leaders demanded that the festival be cancelled. Permitting the fair could have led to unwanted situations. We did not grant permission for it considering the security reasons," he said. 

Earlier on 15 November, local Hefazat leaders brought out a procession in Narayanganj demanding the cancellation of the Lalon festival.

Speaking at a rally near the Mutidham Academy, Hefazat's Central Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdul Awal on the day said, "We gathered here to resist injustice. We, the Tauhidi people, are not low in numbers in Narayanganj. If necessary, we will move forward with the Tawhidi crowd, we will see how this [Lalan festival] can be stopped."

"I will tell the administration that unpleasant things can happen here. The Muslim Tawhidi crowd is not willing to compromise. If necessary, we will stop with our hands," he threatened.

Following the rally, local Touhidi groups threatened to vandalise and set fire to the Muktidham Ashram.

Following threats by the Hefazat leaders, organisers of the festival sought security from local administrations on 19 November. But their request was denied.