Obscene shows and gambling are allegedly the main attraction of the ongoing Barisal International Trade Fair 2015, causing concern and sparking protests among the locals.
The month-long fair, organised by Barisal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI), was inaugurated by Barisal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Shoibal Kanti Chowdhury on March 19 and is taking place at Muktijoddha Park near Kirtankhola River.
Although termed “international,” no foreign stalls could be found in the fair when this correspondent visited the fair on Friday. The few stalls that are in place are hardly attracting customers with their collection of household items, cosmetics, clothes, etc.
Locals claimed that the majority of the visitors were going to the fair mainly for different gambling games and vulgar cultural shows.
They said those immoral and unlawful events were affecting the younger generation, particularly the candidates of the ongoing HSC examinations.
Hasib Miah, a shoe trader who has a stall in the fair, said it was difficult to cover the daily expenses, let alone make profits, from the sales in the fair as most people were visiting for gambling and shows like jatra (folk theatre) shows, puppet shows, musicals and dance shows.
Instead of taking action against such events, the law enforcers are encouraging them, claimed Dr Mizanur Rahman, member secretary of Barisal Nagarik Samaj.
“They [law enforcers] are inaugurating such events despite the fact that the local people protested against this fair by organising human chain and rallies, and even submitting a memorandum to the authorities concerned,” he told the Dhaka Tribune on Friday.
Enayet Hossain Chowdhury, deputy commander of Muktijoddha Sangsad, said some greedy and immoral activists of the ruling party were organising the gambling games and obscene cultural shows in the fair.
When contacted in this regard, BMP Commissioner Shoibal Kanti Chowdhury said: “If there are any objectionable activities taking place in the fair, and it is reported to us officially, we will take legal action following proper investigation,” he told the Dhaka Tribune.
Saidur Rahman Rintu, president of the BCCI, claimed they were not violating any law and had arranged the event by taking permission from proper authorities. “If there are any illegal activities going on, the administration can take action as they see fit.”
