Ekushey book fair was halted in Jhenaidah after ruling Awami League supporters attacked on Friday, the day that marks the spirit of Ekushey.
Witnesses said supporters of the Awami League barged in, chanting slogans, and swooped on the cultural programme that was underway around 7:30pm.
They vandalised the stage and broke chairs and tables. Three cultural activists were injured during this time.
Family of the district deputy commissioner, police superintendent and other government officials were present at the scene. They left after the incident.
The book fair closed down for the day under influence of panic. However, it was not clear if the fair, that was inaugurated in the morning, would continue.
Earlier in the morning, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam inaugurated the eight-day long fair at DC Court premises.
When contacted, the deputy commissioner said he came to know about attack on the programme. However, he said he did not know who attacked.
Ruling Awami League candidate Kanak Kanti Das was defeated to BNP candidate Abdul Alim in the upazila election held in the area on February 19.
The local unit of Awami League blamed the deputy commissioner for the defeat at a press conference on Thursday. They claimed he helped the opposition for victory.
They had declared to boycott any programme concerning the deputy commissioner and demanded his immediate removal.
