Administration denies permission for Amir Hamza mahfil in Kaliganj; anti-drug rally called at same field

The administration has denied permission for Amir Hamza's Tafsirul Quran mahfil at the Government Naldanga Bhushan School field in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah. The decision was announced in a notice signed by Jhenaidah Additional District Magistrate Mohammad Saifur Rahman on Thursday afternoon. Despite the denial, stage construction work was continuing at the field.

Meanwhile, 'Sachetan Kaliganjbashi' (conscious residents of Kaliganj) has announced an anti-drug rally at the same venue. Announcements were made by loudspeaker in the town on Thursday afternoon, requesting people from all walks of life to attend the anti-drug rally at 2pm on Friday.

The mahfil was scheduled for Friday (13 November) at the Government Naldanga Bhushan School field, organized by Falahul Ummah Cadet Madrasa. Kushtia-3 MP Amir Hamza was due to attend as the main speaker, and Jhenaidah-4 MP Abu Talib as chief guest.

The madrasa's director, Mehedi Hasan Faruqi, had applied to the local administration for permission for the mahfil. But a notice on Thursday said permission was not being granted.

According to the notice, an application was made to the Deputy Commissioner's office on 1 November seeking permission to hold the madrasa's annual prize-giving ceremony and Tafsirul Quran mahfil at the field. A letter was then sent to the Superintendent of Police asking for an investigation report.

The police superintendent's investigation report expressed fears of a deterioration in the law and order situation. The notice said that because the report contained adverse comments and fears of law and order deterioration, permission for the prize-giving and the mahfil could not be granted, and the organizers were requested to refrain from holding the event.

Visiting the Government Naldanga Bhushan School field on Thursday afternoon, several workers were seen building a stage. Falahul Ummah Cadet Madrasa director Mehedi Hasan Faruqi was present there.

Faruqi said: 'The MP is doing it, taking overall responsibility. I am only there as a sponsor. Everything else is being done by MP Abu Talib and the organization (Jamaat-e-Islami). Amir Hamza will attend the Quran mahfil on Friday. All our preparations are complete.'

Kaliganj police station officer-in-charge Zulfikar Ali said: 'We are doing our work. Police will keep the highest watch so that the law and order situation does not deteriorate.'

Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rezwana Nahid said she did not know about the anti-drug rally at the same venue and would look into the matter.

Jhenaidah-4 MP Abu Talib did not answer when called on his mobile phone for comment.