Organisers of Jashore Chougachha’s traditional Baluh fair are facing allegations of violating conditions set by the administration, from the very first day the fair began. A loudspeaker system at high volume in the fairground, rides and stalls set up in the area next to a school, and a mic horn installed on the roof of a government primary school have disrupted class activities at two educational institutions. A high-power generator has also been installed right beside the school’s office room.
Local residents and teachers allege that the fair disrupts normal teaching activities at Hazrakhana Government Primary School and Hazrakhana Dakhil Madrasa every year, and this year has been no exception.
According to the fair’s permit documents, the district commissioner’s office granted permission for Chougachha’s Baluh fair for 15 days, subject to 19 conditions. The fair is scheduled to run from September 15 to September 29. Among the conditions in the permit: no stalls may be set up on school premises, no loud sound systems may be played, and the fair must close after 8pm. It also bans gambling, circuses, lucky coupons, puppet shows, merry-go-rounds, raffle draws and other gambling or fraudulent activities. Other conditions require measures to stop drug sales and use around the shrine area, fire-prevention arrangements, and a ban on illegal electricity connections.
A visit to the site, however, found several of these conditions were not being followed. Several rides have been set up in the area next to Hazrakhana Government Primary School. A mic horn has been installed on the school’s roof. A high-power generator has been placed right beside the school’s office room. Alongside loud sound systems playing in the fair area, there are also allegations of lucky coupons, a lottery, gambling and a circus operating.
Several fifth-grade students at the school, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Let the fair happen, but school activities shouldn’t be disrupted. It’s very hard to sit in the classroom from morning until 4pm. When there’s electricity, the loud sound system makes it impossible, and when there isn’t, the generator noise makes it impossible to concentrate on studying.”
Hazrakhana Government Primary School head teacher Taslima Khatun said: “We have nothing to say — the fair will go on regardless. Class activities are disrupted every year during the fair. The generator has been placed right next to the office. When there’s electricity, the loud sound system, and when there isn’t, the high-power generator noise — either way, it’s impossible to sit in the office room.”
Hazrakhana Dakhil Madrasa superintendent Sirajul Islam said: “Class activities are disrupted every year during the fair. Because of the crowds, our institution’s vehicles can’t move, which also reduces student attendance. After the fair ends, it’s also very difficult to bring students back to regular classes.”
Upazila primary education officer Mostafizur Rahman said: “When I went to the school in the morning, I found the school field filled with various parked vehicles, leaving no room to move. Several stalls had also been set up on school land. I removed those myself. I told the fair authorities that school teaching activities must not be disrupted under any circumstances.”
Local residents also allege the fair runs longer than its designated period every year. They say there are precedents of a seven-day permit turning into a 15-to-20-day fair. This time, a 15-day permit has been granted, and residents are concerned over whether the fair will continue even after that period ends. They also allege the fair disrupts normal movement and daily life in the area.
Chougachha police station officer-in-charge (OC) Mamunur Rashid said: “There is no scope for violating the fair’s conditions. Shops set up on the school field have been removed. A notice has been issued to stop noise around the school premises. If the directives are not followed, strict action will be taken against those responsible.” He said police would take a firm stance against any violation of the conditions stated in the permit.