The annual Lalon Mela, a gathering of mystic followers and cultural enthusiasts, was abruptly halted in Narayanganj following objections from Hefazat-e-Islam and local religious groups. The event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, was ultimately canceled due to the district administration’s refusal to grant permission.
Despite devotees traveling from Kushtia and other regions to participate, they were forced to leave as authorities prevented the event from taking place. This sudden shutdown of an event that had been held regularly for the past decade raised concerns among cultural activists and participants.
Religious Objections and Threats Behind the Ban
Organizer Fakir Shahjalal, speaking to BBC Bangla, expressed his dismay:
“Hefazat and local religious groups have pressured authorities to shut down a simple cultural event. Not only was it canceled, but now I am also facing threats.”
Hefazat-e-Islam and its local supporters labeled the festival an “immoral gathering” and demanded its cancellation, prompting the district administration to comply. Abdul Awal, a central leader of Hefazat and a prominent figure in Narayanganj, justified the move by claiming:
“Women are made to dance at this event in an unacceptable manner.”
This stance has provoked outrage among cultural activists, who accuse the administration of failing to uphold freedom of cultural expression.
District Commissioner Mohammad Mahmudul Haque defended the decision, citing security concerns:
“Given the situation that was developing, allowing the event to proceed could have led to chaos that would have been difficult to control.”
Growing Attacks on Traditional Gatherings and Shrines
The abrupt cancellation of the Lalon Mela is part of a wider trend in post-Awami League Bangladesh, where religious extremists have been increasingly targeting shrines, traditional fairs, and cultural gatherings.
Following the fall of the Awami League government, there has been a noticeable rise in vandalism at shrines, disruptions of traditional gatherings, and the closure of long-standing cultural festivals.
How the Lalon Mela Was Shut Down*
The Mahat Sadhusang and Lalon Mela had been held annually for a decade in Madhya Narsinghpur, Kashipur. Organized under the banner of Muktidham Ashram and Lalon Academy, the event regularly featured music, discussions, and cultural performances.
Preparations for the 2025 event were well underway, with official permission requested from the district administration on November 22 and 23. However, opposition emerged on November 15, when Hefazat-e-Islam leaders and local Muslims staged a protest march, branding the event as anti-Islamic and demanding its cancellation.
During a public gathering, Hefazat’s Abdul Awal warned that if the festival proceeded, they would resist it “at any cost.”
In response, Narayanganj’s cultural activists launched counter-protests, urging the administration not to cave in to religious extremism. Senior Narayanganj Cultural Alliance leader Rafiur Rabbi remarked:
“Canceling this long-standing festival sets a dangerous precedent. Initially, even the district administration agreed with us.”
However, as the festival neared, mosques in the area began broadcasting anti-Lalon propaganda, labeling him an atheist and urging followers to oppose the event.
Amid rising tensions, the district administration held a security meeting with law enforcement and subsequently denied permission for the event, citing potential unrest.
District Commissioner Mahmudul Haque justified the decision:
“We only approve events after obtaining police clearance. Since numerous mosques and Hefazat members began protesting, police declined clearance, and we had to revoke permission.”
Conflicting Perspectives: Hefazat’s Claims vs. Cultural Activists’ Stance*
Organizers had already erected pavilions and made arrangements for visiting devotees. Lalon followers from across the country arrived on Thursday night, only to be forced out by police, who dismantled the festival structures.
Fakir Shahjalal revealed:
“A month ago, we applied for permission and proceeded with preparations. But at the last moment, police forced us to dismantle everything, citing a lack of approval.”
Meanwhile, Hefazat leader Abdul Awal repeated allegations of substance abuse and immoral activities at the event:
“The festival promotes music, dancing, and intoxication, disturbing religious people in the area.”
In contrast, cultural activists denounced these accusations as baseless fabrications aimed at silencing alternative cultural expressions.
Fakir Shahjalal countered:
“For 10 years, this festival has been held without incident. There has never been any evidence of drugs or obscenity. This year, fabricated allegations were used to justify its closure.”
He further revealed that he is now facing threats and being branded as an atheist.
Rising Confrontation Between Religious Hardliners and Cultural Activists*
The shutdown of the Lalon Mela has sparked fury among cultural workers, who see it as part of a broader assault on artistic freedom.
Cultural activist Farhana Manik argued:
“If there were concerns about illicit activities, the administration should have monitored the event, not shut it down completely. This is not a solution.”
Organizers claim the authorities succumbed to Hefazat’s pressure rather than standing up for cultural rights.
Cultural activist Rafiur Rabbi warned:
“This is part of a larger, disturbing trend. If this continues, Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage will be systematically erased.”
Why Are Shrines and Cultural Festivals Being Targeted?*
The cancellation of traditional events has become alarmingly frequent in recent months. Since August 2024, multiple shrines and cultural programs have faced attacks and restrictions:
– Shah Paran’s shrine in Sylhet was denied permission for its annual celebration in August.
– Dewanbagh shrine in Narayanganj was attacked and set on fire on September 6.
– Aynal Shah Dargah in Sonargaon was demolished on August 25.
– Music at Shah Paran’s shrine was banned in September after pressure from local religious groups.
– Ali Pagla and Ismail Pagla shrines in Sirajganj were vandalized following the fall of the Awami League government.
This surge in religiously motivated crackdowns suggests a worrying shift toward erasing Bangladesh’s diverse cultural traditions.
A Dangerous Precedent for Bangladesh’s Future*
The Lalon Mela’s cancellation is not just about one festival—it signals a broader struggle between progressive cultural movements and rising religious extremism.
With authorities increasingly yielding to religious hardliners, many fear that artistic expression, free thought, and Bangladesh’s syncretic heritage are under direct threat.
As *cultural activist Rafiur Rabbi* warned:
“These incidents are setting a dangerous precedent. If left unchecked, this will have devastating long-term consequences for Bangladesh.”
