Local admin cancels Lalon mela amid ‘threats’

Narayanganj’s authorities have cancelled an annual two-day event organised as a tribute to the revered mystic and poet, Fakir Lalon Shah, for “threats from a religious group”.
The “Mahati Sadhusanga and Lalon Mela” hosted by Muktidham Ashram and Lalon Academy in Madya Narsingpur, Kashipur Union Parishad under Narayanganj, was scheduled to begin yesterday evening, drawing devotees and Baul singers from across the country.
The organisers claimed that instead of providing security, local authorities imposed restrictions.
Fakir Shah Jalal, founder of the ashram and academy, said, “All arrangements had been made, but the administration did not permit the event, citing warning from some members of the “Muslim” community. Even when we requested to hold the event indoors, without loudspeakers, it was denied,” he said.
This was the first time in six years the event faced such opposition. A group of locals, under the banner of “Tauhidi Janata of Kashipur UP”, protested the event on November 15.
Hefazat-e-Islam leader Maulana Abdul Auwal warned the administration in a speech to stop the event or face intervention by the protesters.
Amid threats to burn down the ashram, Shah Jalal approached the deputy commissioner for security but was refused permission to proceed. “Guests left without even having lunch. The event was completely foiled,” Shah Jalal said.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mahmudul Hoque said, “Organisers sought permission, but a group of locals submitted a written objection. Considering law and order, we did not permit the event.”
Narayanganj Sangskritik Jote, a cultural alliance, and other activists condemned the decision.
Rafiur Rabbi, an adviser of the Jote, said, “Communal forces threatened the event, and the authorities cooperated in shutting it down instead of ensuring security. We strongly protest this.”
Despite holding a human chain protest on Wednesday, the organisers could not save the event. Kamal Uddin, a devotee from Cumilla, said, “I came to sing songs, but now there’s nothing to do here.”