The Lalon Memorial Festival in Madhupur, Tangail, was suspended due to opposition from two religious organizations. The event, organized by Lalon Sangha, was scheduled to take place at Madhupur Bus Stand on Wednesday night at 8 PM. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the organization announced the cancellation of the festival through public announcements in the area. They expressed regret for the decision.
The convener of the festival organizing committee, Md. Sabuj Mia, posted on social media, stating that the event could not proceed due to opposition from Hefazat-e-Islam and the Ulema Parishad’s Madhupur branch.
Sabuj Mia mentioned that Lalon Sangha was established in 2017 and had previously organized two large-scale Lalon music festivals at Madhupur Bus Stand. This year, the event was named Lalon Memorial Festival 2025 and was planned as a cultural gathering, with the Upazila Executive Officer invited as the chief guest. Preparations were in full swing when suddenly, news arrived that Hefazat-e-Islam in Madhupur had objected to the festival.
In response, the organizers arranged a meeting with the leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam on the afternoon of February 11. The meeting was attended by Mufti Anwar Hossain, President of Hefazat-e-Islam’s Madhupur unit, Maulana Mahmudullah, General Secretary of Hefazat’s local unit, Maulana Sulaiman Qasemi, President of Qaumi Ulema Parishad, along with 10-15 other representatives from their groups. Representing Lalon Sangha were its President Farhad Hossain Torofdar and event convener Sabuj Mia. Also present was Jakir Hossain Sarker, President of Madhupur Upazila BNP, who mediated the discussion.
According to Farhad Torofdar and Sabuj Mia, the leaders of the Islamic groups stated that Lalon’s philosophy is illegitimate, heretical, and considered shirk (polytheism). They made it clear that they would not allow what they termed as misguided ideology to be spread in Madhupur. Despite assurances that the event would not involve any discussions on Lalon’s ideology, the religious groups refused to accept the proposal. To prevent any deterioration in the law-and-order situation in Madhupur, the organizers ultimately decided to suspend the festival.
Hefazat-e-Islam’s Madhupur branch General Secretary, Mahmudullah, confirmed that they had opposed the event, stating that it conflicted with Islamic principles and therefore should not be allowed to take place. The President of Qaumi Ulema Parishad, Madhupur unit, Maulana Sulaiman Qasemi, could not be reached for comment as his phone was switched off.
The Officer-in-Charge of Madhupur Police Station, Emranul Kabir, was on leave at the time but later commented, “Upon returning on Wednesday afternoon, I heard that Islamic groups had opposed the event.”
Madhupur Upazila Executive Officer, Mirza Jubair Hossain, stated that he had heard the event was postponed following discussions between both parties. However, he said he was not aware of any direct obstruction from any group.
Farhad Torofdar and Sabuj Mia reiterated that the religious leaders had labeled Lalon’s ideology as unacceptable and insisted that it should not be promoted in Madhupur. Although the organizers had initially promised not to hold discussions on Lalon’s philosophy, the opposition did not relent. To maintain law and order, they had no choice but to cancel the event.
Hefazat-e-Islam’s Madhupur branch leader, Mahmudullah, again confirmed that they had blocked the event, arguing that it was against Islamic teachings. Attempts to contact Maulana Sulaiman Qasemi of the Qaumi Ulema Parishad were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off.
Meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge Emranul Kabir of Madhupur Police Station mentioned that he was on leave at the time but later learned that Islamic groups had prevented the event from taking place.
Madhupur Upazila Executive Officer Mirza Jubair Hossain again stated that the event was canceled following discussions between both parties. He added that he had no knowledge of any direct obstruction by any group.
