Gambling in guise of Magura fair

Illegal lottery and gambling are going on unabated under the guise of 'Trade Fair' at Ideal Technical and Business Management College ground in Magura town, hampering education of nearly 400 students of the institution.

Besides, many innocent people, especially from low income group, are becoming losers while the activities of the fair are causing disturbance for the SSC examinees ahead of the examinations scheduled to begin on February 2.

A number of locals alleged that Nasirul Islam, principal of the college, in association with few influential ruling party men, arranged the fair since January 8 in the name of raising fund for the college.

Principal Nasirul said he has obtained permission from the Magura deputy commissioner (DC) to arrange the fair in a bid to raise fund for the college.

Sohel Hossain, one of the sellers of the lottery tickets, said he sells 800 to 1000 tickets per day, with tickets costing Tk 15 and Tk 20.

Kamrul Islam, an easy-bike driver of Deuria village, said he has not been that lucky to get a prize yet though he buys two tickets everyday from the little money he earns.

During a visit to Magura on Tuesday, this correspondent found that a number of sellers are engaged in retailing lottery tickets at every corner in four upazilas of the district.

DC Mahbubar Rahman could not be contacted for his comment as he did not receive his phone despite repeated calls from this correspondent.