Section 144 imposed as BNP-Jamaat dispute halts boat race in Sirajganj

A traditional boat race on the Karatoya River in Sirajganj’s Ullapara has been suspended after BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami organisers announced rival dates for events at the same venue.

The Upazila administration imposed a ban on public gatherings and assemblies under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure at Kaliganj Ghat after police warned that the dispute could lead to a deterioration in law and order.

The race has long been organised by local residents in Ponchocroshi Union.

This year, BNP organisers scheduled the 17th edition for Sept 7-9, while Jamaat leaders announced a separate event for Sept 4-5 and began preparations at the same ghat.

Neither side had taken permission from the administration, Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam said.

Both groups later lodged complaints against each other.

Selim Reza, convenor of the BNP-organised race and a former union council member, said Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood had been invited as chief guest, with Sirajganj-4 MP and Jamaat leader Rafiqul Islam Khan as special guest.

He alleged that Jamaat leader Jahurul Islam Penu then began setting up a separate stage beside theirs for the Sept 4-5 event.

Selim said the dispute had put a long-standing local tradition at risk.

“This competition is part of our local tradition. It should not be stopped,” he said.

“We are trying to organise it together through mutual understanding.”

Penu, general secretary of the Jamaat-organised race committee and Jamaat’s Ponchocroshi Union unit, said his side had also planned to invite Tuku and the local MP.

He alleged that the BNP complained to the administration after learning that Tuku, who is ill and in hospital, might not be able to attend.

Ullapara Upazila executive officer (UNO) Raihanul Islam did not respond to repeated calls or text messages.

Deputy Commissioner Aminul said the administration suspended the competition and imposed Section 144 in the Kaliganj Ghat area until further notice after police raised concerns over possible unrest.

Ullapara Model Police Station chief Mehedi Hasan said the situation was calm.