Obscene dances, gambling go on at <i>jatra</i> in Narail
Gambling goes on at a jatra (opera) at Mithapur Bazar in Lohagara upazila of Narail district under the nose of law enforcers as they turn a blind eye allegedly taking bribe from the organisers.Photo: STAR
Obscene dances and gambling are still being held in the name of jatra, a kind of opera, at Mithapur Bazar in Naldi union under Lohagara upazila of the district. Although the district administration gave permission only for jatra, the immoral activities are held openly every night while non-stop loudspeakers causes nuisance for the locals. "Every night obscene dances and gambling are arranged at Mithapur Bazar while police from nearby Naldi outpost turn a blind eye taking bribe from management," said Md Asaduzzaman, chairman of Naldi union parishad. "Youths are going to astray as they are mad for money to join gambling", he added. In every corner, raffle draw, housy, cards, guti and roulette have been arranged while obscene dances are shown in the name of opera, Goffar Mollah of Mithapur village said. Contacted over phone, Naldi union Awami League leader Mithu Mollah, also manager of the jatra team, said that only jatra was being performed by his men. He refused to say anything further. On the midnight of September 24, a mobile court led by a magistrate raided Mithapur jatra venue and arrested one Muktar Ali from a gambling table while others managed to flee. After that incident they stopped the show for a few days but on October 1 they again got permission for holding Jatra for five days. The immoral activities resumed again on the eve of the show and police took care of the total programme, said Ahad Biswas of Nokhkhali village. During a visit to jatra venue yesterday, this correspondent saw all immoral acts being held openly and in presence of police and management. Tickets for jatra are being sold at high rates between Tk100 and Tk200 each. Locals urged the authorities several times to stop these obscene and illegal activities but mysteriously to no effect. The Daily Star published a report in this regard last month. Additional Superintendent of Police (Circle) in Narail Tariqul Islam, however, said, "We did not get any objection from the villagers. I was not aware of it. Now I will look into the matter. Deputy Commissioner Md Zohirul Haque said, "They were given permission for holding jatra only. However, I will take necessary steps soon."
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