Barishal police deny permission for 42-year-old Baishakhi Mela citing security threat

After cancelling a stage play performance citing security concerns, the Barishal Metropolitan Police (BMP) has denied permission for the 42-year-old traditional Baishakhi Mela, organised by Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, at the Brajamohan School premises.

"We have information that there could be instability centering the fair. The overall security situation in the country is somewhat fragile. In such a context, a large event like the Baishakhi Mela could witness untoward incidents," Barishal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Shafiqul Islam.

He added, "Moreover, the district administration is already organising a Baishakhi Mela at Bell's Park. Ensuring security for another fair at the same time elsewhere would be a major challenge for us. Considering all aspects, we have requested the organisers to refrain from holding the event this year."

Earlier, on 8 April, Tilak's Group Theatre organised a stage play based on the Ramayana at the Manasa Temple in Ward-2 of Barishal city. However, the police at Kawnia Police Station did not grant permission for the performance.

Kawnia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nazmul Nishat said the play was cancelled due to the ongoing SSC examinations and demands from local residents.

Sources say Udichi has been organising the Baishakhi Mela at the Brajamohan School grounds for the past 43 years. Locals generally refer to this event when they talk about the Baishakhi Mela.

Advocate Bishwanath Das Munshi, president of Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, Barishal, said that although the fair is usually held over three days, this year preparations were made for a limited one-day event on Pahela Baishakh due to the ongoing SSC examinations.

He added that a written application was submitted to the police seeking permission, but they were informed that permission would not be granted. "No explanation was given for the refusal," he said.

Professor Badiur Rahman, president of Udichi's central committee, said that Pahela Baishakh is being celebrated across the country through various events, and there is no justification for not allowing the fair in Barishal.

"The celebration of the Bangla New Year is not a political issue," he said. "It is unclear why the local police commissioner decided to deny permission for the fair."

He added that Udichi is determined to go ahead with the fair. "If anyone wants to forcibly shut it down, they can try," he said.

While uncertainty looms over Udichi's Baishakhi Mela, the district administration has organised a week-long Baishakhi fair at Bell's Park in Barishal.