Despite a High Court ban, a so-called trade fair is currently being held in Meherpur, which has allegedly turned into a hotspot for gambling and obscene entertainment.
While the event is officially labeled a "National Industrial and Trade Fair," it has reportedly been hosting gambling like raffle draw and late-night circus shows featuring vulgar dances.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Tajwar Akram Sakapi Ibn Sajjad stated that any immoral activity at the fair would lead to its closure. He also noted that no permission had been given for raffle draw.
According to sources, the month-long “Deshiyo Shilpo Banijjo Mela” (National Industrial and Trade Fair), organized by a group named Swapnochura, began on June 5 at the new bus terminal area in Meherpur town.
However, court documents reveal that the High Court only approved the fair from May 2 to June 1 that means the fair is being operated beyond its permitted timeframe.
An entry fee of Tk 20 is being charged for per person. Inside the fair, many vendors have set up makeshift stalls, offering various local products. At the entrance, two individuals are seen selling tickets. The main attraction seems to be the raffle draw held at 11 PM on a stage in front of the main pavilion. Crowds gather from 7 PM and stay until late at night.
Sources say key figures associated with the event include Ahsan Habib, President of the Meherpur District Motor Workers' Union, and Tamim Hossain, Joint Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
Babu, a resident of Chakrapara, said, “I’ve been buying raffle tickets every day, hoping to win a motorcycle. It has become an addiction. I’m a day labourer and my hard-earned money is being spent every day, but I still can’t stop myself from buying tickets.”
A local college student, requesting anonymity, admitted to sneaking out at night to watch the circus’ late-night shows, which he described as "vulgar dance performances."
He added that many youths are attracted in it and word-of-mouth among peers has only increased interest in these shows.
Abdullah Al Amin Dhumketu, Principal of Meherpur Government Women's College, criticised the fair, saying, “Raffle draws are illegal. These are the forms of gambling that leads to financial ruin. These obscene performances are threat to our youth and society as a whole. If such types of events continue, the damage will be irreparable. Authorities must act urgently.”
Meanwhile, Tamim Hossain, currently a leader of the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP), denied any connection to the fair. He claimed that Swapnochura had obtained the necessary permits and that his party bore no responsibility for the event.
Ahsan Habib, President of the Motor Workers' Union, also distanced his organisation from the fair, saying Swapnochura was solely responsible.
However, he admitted that some leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement are involved in the arrangement. He further stated that although the union did not organise the fair, it supported the event to provide employment to unemployed workers and to raise funds for the union.
“Sixty-five of our members have died. Their families will receive death benefits after Eid. Since our fund is empty, the fair organisers agreed to share part of the proceeds with us,” he explained. However, he claimed ignorance about the alleged vulgar performances.
Ashiqur Rahman, President of Swapnochura, insisted that the fair was being held with High Court approval and claimed permission for the raffle draws existed. He did admit that an obscene performance occurred on the opening night but claimed that such shows had since been discontinued.
Meherpur Superintendent of Police Maksuda Akter Khanam confirmed that higher authorities had been informed and that action would be taken soon.
Acting DC Tajwar Akram reaffirmed that permission had been granted as per court directives and that any immoral activities would lead to the fair’s closure.
However, he did not comment on whether the fair was violating the court’s time restrictions.
