Road blockade to stop gambling

Local people in Birganj upazila blocked the Dinajpur-Panchagarh highway yesterday, demanding immediate steps to stop obscene dance, gambling and raffle draw in the name of village fair. 

They also gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the local administration, demanding steps against the anti-social activities or to face tougher agitation.

Locals alleged that one Abdur Razzak arranged the month-long fair at Prem Bazar  since Saturday where obscene dances and gambling were going on unabated.

The villagers gathered in front of Birganj Police Station and blocked the Dinajpur-Panchagarh highway for an hour from 11:00am, creating huge tailbacks on both sides of the road.

Addressing a rally, speakers said gambling, illegal lottery and obscene dances in the name of fair were going on at Prem Bazar. They also urged the local administration to cancel the permission of the fair.

Dinajpur Zila Parishad member Nurul Islam said Razzak took permission from a court to arrange the fair. He asked the authorities concerned to check the authenticity of the court order.