Local social organisation Mallika Samajkalyan Sangstha, Goaitula, Sylhet, staged a human chain on Tuesday, 28 October, at the Shah Eidgah playground, demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing fair that has encroached upon the historic sports field.
Key Speaker Attacked en Route Home
Md. Sohail Chowdhury, Cultural Affairs Secretary of the Bangladesh Socialist Party (BASD) Sylhet District Branch, was the keynote speaker at the protest.
In his fiery address, Chowdhury declared:
“There is no alternative to sports to keep youth away from drugs and negative activities. Protecting this playground is crucial for continued sports. Ignoring the threats of land-grabbers, everyone must hit the streets to resist these dark forces. I stand with you in this movement to save the field.”
He added:
“Throughout my political life, I have fought against societal evils against the tide—and no just struggle of mine has ever failed. This one won’t either, Insha’Allah. But we need your united support.”
Ambush After Protest
Following the human chain, around 7:30 PM, as Chowdhury was returning home to Shibganj via Baluchar in a CNG auto-rickshaw, miscreants pelted the vehicle with bricks and stones, attempting to vandalise it.
Thanks to the driver’s quick thinking, Chowdhury escaped unharmed and left the scene safely.
“This is not the first time,” Chowdhury told Bangladesh Dias. “I have been attacked multiple times with intent to kill.”
Suspected Motive: Fair Operators’ Retaliation
Preliminary suspicions suggest that a group operating the fair at Shah Eidgah is behind the attack.
“I believe those who fear truth and justice cannot silence us with threats,” Chowdhury said over the phone. “This rightful movement to save the playground will continue—with public participation.”
