117th edition of Jabbarer Boli Khela to be held on 25 April

The traditional Abdul Jabbar wrestling competition and Baishakhi Fair, popularly known as Jabbarer Boli Khela, will be held on 25 April at Laldighi Maidan in the port city of Chattogram.

Organisers, during a preparatory meeting yesterday (17 April) at Jabbar House, called for full cooperation from city residents to ensure the smooth organisation of the event. 

People from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, have been urged to contribute.

They also stressed the need to protect small businessmen arriving from different parts of the country, ensuring they are not subjected to extortion or harassment.

Speakers at the meeting also demanded a posthumous Independence Award for the late Abdul Jabbar, who introduced the competition to mobilise youth during the anti-British movement.

Preparations are in full swing for the 117th edition of the event.

The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) is taking proactive measures to ensure security during the event. 

A coordination meeting was held at the CMP headquarters to review preparations for maintaining law and order.

CMP Commissioner Hasan Md Shawkat Ali emphasised the importance of ensuring safety for all, given the expected large crowd. 

Preparations have been made to manage crowd control, traffic regulation and emergency services.

The event was initiated during the British colonial era by the late Abdul Jabbar Saudagar, a prominent social worker and businessman from the Badarpati area of the city. 

Its aim was to inspire youth and promote the anti-colonial movement.

The competition typically features traditional wrestlers, known as boli or kustigirs, who are popular in rural areas. 

The Baishakhi Mela is held in the surrounding area of Laldighi Maidan and showcases locally made handicrafts, artefacts, and household items.