Following objections from leaders and activists of Hefazat-e-Islam and Qaumi Ulama Parishad, a new date has finally been set for the postponed Lalon Memorial Festival in Madhupur, Tangail, through mutual understanding.
The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, at 8:30pm at the Madhupur Auditorium.
The decision was reached during a compromise meeting at the office of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) on Friday night.
Earlier, the festival was supposed to be held at the Madhupur Bus Stand on February 12.
However, due to objections raised by Hefazat-e-Islam and Qaumi Ulama Parishad, the organizing committee announced the postponement of the event.
Sources revealed that the Madhupur Lalon Sangha had initially planned to hold the Lalon Memorial Festival at the Madhupur Bus Stand on February 12 at 8pm, marking the 134th death anniversary of Lalon Sai.
The event was to be attended by Madhupur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Jubaer Hossain as the chief guest, along with the assistant superintendent of police (Madhupur Circle), the officer-in-charge (OC) of Madhupur Police Station, and several other dignitaries.
However, leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam and Qaumi Ulama Parishad objected, claiming that the festival contradicted Islamic principles and demanded its cancellation. Under pressure, the organizing committee decided to postpone the event.
The issue was reported in several newspapers and online media, including Dhaka Tribune, sparking criticism.
Subsequently, on Friday night, a compromise meeting was held at the office of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, attended by representatives from Hefazat-e-Islam, Qaumi Ulama Parishad, the Upazila BNP, and the Lalon Sangha.
The meeting was presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Jubaer Hossain and was attended by Major Shoaib, Upazila BNP President Zakir Hossain Sarker, Madhupur Lalon Sangha Adviser SM Shahid, General Secretary Goutam Chandra Saha, Festival Celebration Committee Convener Sabuj Mia, Madhupur Hefazat-e-Islam President Mufti Anwar Hossain, General Secretary Mawlana Mahmudullah, Qari Modasser Hossain, and journalist Anwar Sadat Imran, among others.
The meeting resulted in the decision to hold the festival at Madhupur Auditorium on Sunday, at 8:30pm.
Festival Convener Md Sabuj Mia said: “A meeting was held at the office of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, where representatives from Hefazat-e-Islam and several other groups were present. Through mutual understanding, it was decided that the festival would be held on Sunday.”
He added: “Hefazat-e-Islam has assured that they will not obstruct the event, and the Madhupur Lalon Sangha has also committed to ensuring that no controversial speeches, information, or music will be presented.”
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Jubaer Hossain said: “A meeting was held with Hefazat-e-Islam, BNP, the organizing committee, the army, and local journalists. Through compromise, a new date for the postponed Lalon Memorial Festival has been set, and the event will be organized on a grand scale.”
