Bagha Sharif continues supremacy in Jabbarer Boli Khela

Bagha Sharif from Cumilla’s Homna clinched the title of the 117th edition of the historic Abdul Jabbar-er Bolikhela, defeating Rashed Boli from Cumilla Sadar in a gruelling 40-minute encounter at Laldighi Maidan on Saturday.

With this victory, Sharif, has secured the title for the third consecutive time. A total of 101 wrestlers from across the country participated in this year's competition, which remains the most prestigious traditional wrestling event in Bangladesh.

BNP lawmaker from Chattogram-9 constituency, Abu Sufian, attended the final event as the chief guest and distributed prizes among the winners.

Despite a mild to moderate heatwave sweeping through the district, the turnout of visitors was remarkably high on the first two days of the three-day Boishakhi Mela, which began on Friday. The fair, stretching across 1.5 km from Anderkilla to Kotwali Intersection, serves as a major cultural and economic hub.

Traders expressed optimism about a massive surge in footfall on Saturday evening and the final day.

For many residents of Chattogram, the fair is not just a cultural celebration but a practical necessity. It is the primary destination for buying year-long household and kitchen essentials at competitive prices.

The temporary stalls are packed with a diverse range of goods, for example, handicrafts including pottery, wood and bamboo showpieces, cane items, and rugs, household essentials including brooms, mats, and furniture, kitchenware including frying pans, wooden rolling boards, stone slabs, and hamamdista and others including sweetmeats, toys, fishing nets, and tree saplings.

Abdur Rahman, a trader from Chandanaish, was seen busy selling brooms at the Anderkilla intersection. "Visitors are coming in large numbers, and the sales have already gained momentum," he said.

Tina Barua, a resident of Bakalia who was buying flower-brooms, added, "The quality of brooms here is better and the rates are cheaper; I buy my annual supply from this fair every year."

Mohammad Russell, a trader from Brahmanbaria selling mats on KC Dey Road, shared a similar sentiment. Selling carpets on a commission basis, he noted that the enthusiasm of the buyers has been highly encouraging this year.

Started in 1909 by Abdul Jabbar Sawdagor, a merchant from Boxirhat, the event was originally designed to physically prepare the local youth for the anti-British movement. Over the last 117 years, it has transformed into a symbol of Chattogram’s heritage, blending sports, commerce, and communal harmony.

The fair, organised by the Abdul Jabbar Smriti Wrestling Competition and Boishakhi Mela Udjapan Parishad, will conclude on Sunday.