<i>Stop this nuisance</i>
Obscene dance under the guise of jatra goes on at several places of Shailkupa
Obscene dance under the guise of jatra (open air drama) is going on at several places including Bhatai Bazar, Garaganj Bazar, Mailmari Bazar and Ashurhat-Sekhra Natun Bazar in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenidah district during the last few days.
Some unscrupulous people have also arranged gambling at Langalbandh Bazar in the same upazila.
The activities are run throughout the night, much to the disturbance of students ahead of the primary terminal and annual examinations.
In the name of jatra, some ruling party men are conducting obscene dance and other anti-social activities at Saptapally of Ashurhat-Sekhra Natun Bazar through managing the personnel of police outpost at Hatfazilpur Bazar since November 15, locals said.
Chairman of Shailkupa upazila parishad Nayeb Ali Joarder is leading the activities there, the villagers said, adding that Nayeb Ali's brother Soyeb Joarder is leading another open air drama team at Bhatai Bazar on Jhenidah-Kushtia highway, only 8 kilometres from the district headquarters.
Gambling has been arranged round the clock at Langalbandh Bazar where ganja and other harmful items are sold, villagers said, adding that many innocent people are becoming losers due to this.
Admitting organisation of the jatra at Saptapally of Ashurhat-Sekhra Natun Bazar without legal approval of the administration, in charge of Hatfazilpur police outpost Sub Inspector Madhusudan Datta said he had informed the officer in charge of Sailkupa police station of the matter.
"The upazila parishad chairman advised me to recommend the approval for open air drama at Saptapally of Ashurhat-Sekhra Natun Bazar," said Anwar Hossain, officer in charge of Sailkupa police station.
When contacted, Chairman of Shailkupa upazila parishad Nayeb Ali Joarder said, "No nude dance is being performed here. I have ordered the organisers not to hold any gambling at the jatra party compound. I have sought permission to the authority but I have not got any letter yet."
Shailkupa Upazila Nirbahi Officer Azmul Haq said, "I have joined the office recently after the Eid vacation. I will investigate the matter and inform the higher authority."
Superintendent of Police Rezaul Karim said jatra has been permitted but obscene dance and gambling is not allowed there. Necessary action will be taken if such illegal activities are run.
Asked about giving permission of jatra ahead of primary terminal examinations, he declined to make any comment.
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