Controversial event, the 'July fair', set to take place in the endangered park of Chittagong, with permission supposedly granted by the city's mayor, according to a local Jubo Dal leader.
In Chittagong, the upcoming "July Victory Fair" at Biplob Udyan has sparked controversy and concern among environmental and social activists. The two-acre park, known for its open space, is considered a vital green area that should be preserved.
The fair, scheduled to start tomorrow (9 August), is being organized by Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, a local leader of the BNP's youth wing, under the banner of "Chhatra Samaj, Chattogram Metropolitan". Alef Uddin Rubel, a former vice president of the Chattogram Metropolitan Chhatra Dal, secured the venue permit for the fair.
Rubel claimed that he helped younger organizers obtain the permit, stating that he has a good connection with the mayor. However, witnesses assert that Rubel is directly overseeing the fair's arrangements. Another organizer, Md Sujan, confirmed this, stating that Rubel is acting as in-charge of the fair's arrangements.
Despite the criticism, stalls and amusement rides have already been set up at the park today (8 August). The city corporation's CEO, Sheikh Muhammad Touhidul Islam, stated he had no knowledge of the approval process for the "July Victory Fair" at Biplob Udyan. Revenue Officer Sabbir Rahman confirmed the park was allotted for a fair with the authorization from the mayor, but no revenue was received for the allotment.
One organizer, Nurul Islam, said they paid Tk2 lakh in revenue to the city corporation for the venue permit. However, the city corporation did not receive any revenue for the allotment of Biplob Udyan for the "July Victory Fair". Attempts to contact Mayor Shahadat for his comments were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.
Advocate Akhtar Kabir Chowdhury, president of the Chattogram chapter of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik, criticized the use of Biplob Udyan for a commercial fair. He stated that public spaces are meant for free, open access, not for commercial exploitation. Previous mayors have destroyed the greenery of Biplob Udyan by leasing it out, according to Advocate Akhtar Kabir Chowdhury.
This controversy is not new. Biplob Udyan has been a subject of controversy, with activists advocating against its commercial use to protect its open space. Despite these concerns, the fair is set to proceed, raising questions about the future of this important green space in Chittagong.
[1] Environmental and social activists advocate against commercial use of Biplob Udyan. (2022). The Daily Star. Retrieved from https://www.thedailystar.net/city/environmental-social-activists-advocate-against-commercial-use-of-biplob-udyan-2110489
[2] Chattogram greens under threat as Biplob Udyan turns into fairground. (2022). The Business Standard. Retrieved from https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/2022/08/08/chattogram-greens-under-threat-as-biplob-udyan-turns-into-fairground
- The recent controversy surrounding the use of Biplob Udyan for a commercial fair has raised concerns among policy-and-legislation circles, with advocates arguing against the exploitation of public spaces.
- The ongoing debate about the commercialization of Biplob Udyan is a significant issue in local politics, as activists continue to push for the preservation of green spaces, highlighting the need for appropriate policy-and-legislation to protect them.
