The local administration of Jhenaidah has denied permission for a Tafsirul Quran Mahfil featuring Member of Parliament Amir Hamza at the Government Naldanga Bhushan School ground in Kaliganj, while a local platform has announced an anti-drug rally at the exact same venue on Friday.
A notice signed by Jhenaidah additional district magistrate Mohammad Saifur Rahman was issued on Thursday afternoon announcing the decision. Preparations for building the stage are continuing at the venue despite the denial of permission.
Falahul Ummah Cadet Madrasa organised the Tafsirul Quran Mahfil at the Government Naldanga Bhushan School ground on Friday. The Kushtia-3 constituency member of parliament Amir Hamza is scheduled to attend as chief speaker there, while Abu Talib, the member of parliament for Jhenaidah-4 constituency, is set to be the chief guest. Falahul Ummah Cadet Madrasa director Mahedi Hasan Faruqui applied to local authorities seeking permission for the mahfil, but permission was refused through a notice on Thursday.
The notice mentioned that an application was submitted to the deputy commissioner’s office on 1 November seeking permission to hold the annual prize distribution ceremony and Tafsirul Quran Mahfil organised by Falahul Ummah Cadet Madrasa at the Government Naldanga Bhushan School ground.
Following the application, a letter was sent to the superintendent of police for an investigation report. The investigation report submitted by the superintendent of police expressed concern over a deterioration in law and order. Citing adverse comments in the report and fears of potential disruption, authorities noted that permission for the annual prize distribution ceremony and Tafsirul Quran Mahfil could not be granted, requesting the organisers to refrain from hosting the event.
Meanwhile, a platform named Sachetan Kaliganjbasi announced an anti-drug rally at the same ground on Friday at 2:00 pm. Loudspeaker announcements were made across the town on Thursday afternoon, requesting citizens from all walks of life to attend the programme.
Despite the denial of official permission, stage construction work was found underway at the Naldanga Bhushan School ground on Thursday afternoon, while several workers were building the platform in the presence of Falahul Ummah Cadet Madrasa director Faruqui.
Faruqui said the MP Hamza is taking overall responsibility for the event and that he is acting only as a sponsor.
Everything else is being managed by MP Talib and the organisation Jamaat-e-Islami. All preparations are complete and Hamza will attend the Quran Mahfil on Friday, he added.
Kaliganj Police Station officer-in-charge Zulgikar Ali said police are carrying out their duties and will maintain maximum vigilance to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile, upazila nirbahi officer of Kaliganj Rezwana Nahid said she was unaware of the anti-drug rally planned at the same location and would look into the matter.
Jhenaidah-4 constituency MP Abu Talib did not receive phone calls when contacted for comment.
