Lucky coupon or gambling!

In the name of 'lucky coupon', gambling is going on unabated at the month-long small and cottage industries fair at Collectorate ground in the town, thanks to the ignorance of local administration and police about the matter.

State Minister for Social Welfare Md Nuruzzaman Ahmed inaugurated the fair on December 19.

Students, farmers, day labourers, housewives and even little kids get engaged in gambling arranged under the nose of law enforcers, said local trader Mizanur Rahman Mizan, 45, of Uttara Road in the town.

He blamed Jahangir Alam, director of Dainik Adarsho Lucky Coupon, and the organiser of the fair Lalmonirhat municipality authority for doing the illegal trade in the name of lucky coupon.

Mayor of the municipality Reazul Islam Rintu said lucky coupon is not gambling at all. Rather, it is one kind of entertainment.

Jahangir Alam said they offered prizes including motorcycles, gold ornaments and refrigerators against the coupons.

 "The organiser of the fair got permission from the district administration to play lucky coupon and we are just monitoring the law and order situation at the fair," said the OC.

Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner AFM Alauddin Khan said permission was given for lucky coupon draw against buying products at the stalls in the fair, but not for selling the lucky coupon ticket for gambling.