A controversial notice banning musical instruments, street vendors, and hijras (third-gender individuals) in the village of Sharotala, located in Harinakundu Upazila of Jhenaidah District, has been removed following official intervention. Authorities stepped in after the notice, posted on walls throughout the village, sparked concern and outrage.
Upon receiving reports of the incident, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tariq-uz-Zaman visited the village on Tuesday. Following his visit, the notices were removed, and an investigation was launched to determine who was responsible for issuing them.
Investigation Underway
UNO Tariq-uz-Zaman confirmed that an inquiry is ongoing to identify those involved in the dissemination of the notice. He has instructed law enforcement authorities to take appropriate action. Additionally, as the notice falsely included his mobile phone number without permission, he filed a General Diary (GD) at the local police station.
The notice bore the signatures of 19 individuals, including prominent figures from the village. The first entry listed only the initials “TNO” along with a mobile number but did not provide a specific name. Among those who signed were Enamul Haque, president of the Westpara Jame Mosque Committee; businessmen Idris Ali and Sajedul Islam; teachers Mojibor Rahman and Abu Saleh; Imam Abdur Rahman; former mosque committee president Liakat Ali; Union Parishad member Touhidur Rahman; former mosque committee general secretary Abdul Kuddus; Ward BNP president Mohabbat Ali; madrasa teacher Abdul Malek; college teachers Intajul Haque and Fazlur Rahman; businessman Nawab Molla; former mosque president Md. Azim; and other local figures, including Moshiur Rahman, Golam Mostofa, and Abdul Fattah.
Details of the Notice
The notice, titled “Prohibition of All Musical Instruments and Street Vendors”, stated:
“On behalf of all residents of Sharotala village, it is hereby announced that all types of musical instruments are banned. Anyone found playing musical instruments will face legal action, including a fine of BDT 4,000. Additionally, legal action will be taken against their parents. Furthermore, all street vendors and hijras are banned from entering the village. Since our village comprises 95% educated individuals and around 20 government officers or employees, the villagers have reached this decision to protect the future of the younger generation.”
Official Response and Removal of Notices
Following reports of the notice, UNO Tariq-uz-Zaman arrived at Sharotala around 11:00 AM on Tuesday. He sought out the individuals who had signed the document and instructed them to report to his office at the Upazila headquarters. Subsequently, the notices were removed from shopfronts and residential walls.
At around 2:00 PM, four villagers, including Union Parishad member Touhidur Rahman, appeared at the UNO’s office. Initially, Rahman declined to comment but later stated, “I am under a lot of pressure regarding this matter. Please do not trouble me further.”
Another signatory, teacher Moshiur Rahman, expressed regret, saying, “I should not have been involved in this incident, but since the entire village was in agreement, I went along with it.”
Enamul Haque, president of the mosque committee and another signatory, admitted, “What we did was wrong, and I have nothing further to say.”
Source: Prothom Alo 19 february 2025
Date: 21 February, 2025
