The “Gazi Kalu-Champabati Mela”, a 150-year-old rural fair in Kushtia’s Kumarkhali Upazila, has been shut down in the wake of violent clashes and vandalism. The BNP blamed Jamaat for the violence, but Jamaat denied the accusations. Following the clashes, the Upazila administration ordered the closure of the fair, Kumarkhali Police Station chief (OC) Md Solaiman Sheikh said. Local teacher Kabirul Islam said Jamaat members opposed the fair due to alleged morally reprehensible activities, including gambling. Asked about the allegations, Jamaat leader Habibul said the fair was not approved “due to obscenity and gambling”.
