The cancellation of the Lalon Fair, an event celebrating the inclusive and humanistic philosophy of Lalon Shah, marks a dark moment in the nation’s history. For decades, the fair has been a beacon of unity, fostering peace and coexistence among people of all faiths. The abrupt revocation of the fair’s permission on November 21, 2024, under threats from Hefazat-e-Islam and other fundamentalist groups, is not just a capitulation to extremism but an attack on the cultural freedom of all Bangladeshis.
Maulana Abdul Awal’s chilling declaration—“If this fair goes ahead, we will stop it by any means necessary”—and the Narayanganj District Administration’s failure to protect this cultural tradition demonstrate the increasing sway of radical ideologies in Bangladesh. This trend threatens the foundational principles of diversity, harmony, and inclusivity upon which the nation was built.
Disturbing Trend of Cultural Suppression:
JMBF asserts that the cancellation of the Lalon Fair is not an isolated incident. Over recent months, after the step-down of the former Awami League government, Bangladesh has witnessed a disturbing escalation of violence and repression targeting its cultural and spiritual traditions:
- In August 2024, authorities banned music—a cornerstone of religious expression—at the Urus celebration of Shah Paran Shrine in Sylhet, violating a centuries-old tradition.
- On August 25, the Aynal Shah Shrine in Sonargaon was demolished, an act of desecration that struck at the heart of the nation’s spiritual identity.
- In September, extremists set fire to the Dewanbagh Shrine in Narayanganj and imposed bans on musical celebrations at the Shah Paran Shrine.
- In October, the sacred Ali Pagla Shrine and Ismail Pagla Shrine in Sirajganj were attacked, continuing the systematic targeting of spiritual sites.
These actions are part of a deliberate effort to erase Bangladesh’s rich, pluralistic heritage, replacing it with a narrow, intolerant ideology.
JMBF believes that Bangladesh has long been celebrated for its vibrant tapestry of cultures, faiths, and traditions. This inclusive identity is now under siege. The destruction of sacred sites and suppression of music—a universal language of spirituality—represents an existential threat to the nation’s cultural fabric. If these attacks persist, they will irreparably damage Bangladesh’s legacy of tolerance and unity.
JMBF’s Demands:
JMBF stands in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh who seek to preserve their cultural and spiritual heritage. We demand immediate action to address this alarming rise in extremism:
- Ensure Accountability: The Bangladeshi government must investigate and prosecute those responsible for inciting violence and attacking sacred sites.
- Protect Cultural Events: Authorities must provide security to ensure that events like the Lalon Fair can proceed without fear of disruption or violence.
- Uphold Pluralism: Concrete steps must be taken to safeguard Bangladesh’s pluralistic traditions and counteract the influence of extremist ideologies.
- Engage International Support: The global community must hold Bangladesh accountable for protecting fundamental rights to cultural and religious freedom.
JMBF will continue to raise awareness and advocate for justice to ensure that Bangladesh’s spiritual and cultural legacy is preserved for future generations. We urge all concerned citizens, activists, and global leaders to join us in this critical fight.
Fract in Frief: Cultural Freedom Under Siege: Lalon Fair Canceled Amid Rising Religious Extremism in Bangladesh
On November 21, 2024, Bangladesh’s iconic ‘Mahati Sadhu Sangh and Lalon Fair’—an annual tribute to the inclusive teachings of Lalon Shah—was abruptly canceled in Narayanganj following vehement opposition from religious hardliners. This cherished event, celebrated for its blend of music, spirituality, and unity, fell victim to the growing influence of extremism that threatens the nation’s cultural identity.
On November 15, Hefazat-e-Islam, supported by local fundamentalist groups, denounced the fair as “un-Islamic” and vowed to disrupt it. Maulana Abdul Awal, a senior leader of Hefazat, intensified the threats, declaring, “If this fair goes ahead, we will stop it by any means necessary.”
The Lalon Fair, a longstanding symbol of harmony that transcended religious boundaries, had brought people together for years in celebration of Lalon Shah’s philosophy. However, this year, mounting radical opposition turned the event into a flashpoint, highlighting the growing ideological struggle over Bangladesh’s cultural future.
A Wider Assault on Cultural and Religious Freedom
The cancellation of the Lalon Fair is part of an escalating trend of cultural repression across Bangladesh, marked by the targeting of cultural events, sacred shrines, and spiritual practices. This disturbing wave of attacks intensified following a political shift earlier this year, as extremists began dismantling the nation’s vibrant and pluralistic traditions.
In August 2024, authorities abruptly shut down the Urus celebration at Shah Paran Shrine in Sylhet, a centuries-old tradition honoring the saint’s death anniversary. For the first time, music—a vital aspect of the celebration—was banned, reflecting the deepening cultural suppression.
Later that month, on August 25, the Aynal Shah Shrine in Sonargaon was demolished, an act that sent shockwaves across the country.
In September, violence escalated further when the Dewanbagh Shrine in Madanpur, Narayanganj, was attacked and set on fire. That same month, extremists imposed a ban on music during the three-day Urus at Shah Paran Shrine, silencing a long-cherished tradition of spiritual expression.
October brought more attacks, with shrines such as the Ali Pagla Shrine and Ismail Pagla Shrine in Sirajganj becoming targets of extremist violence. These actions signify a calculated effort to erase Bangladesh’s inclusive spiritual identity and replace it with an intolerant ideology.
Threat to Bangladesh’s Cultural Landscape
The destruction of sacred sites and suppression of music—central to many religious festivals—represent not just physical vandalism but an assault on the nation’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Experts warn that if such actions persist, Bangladesh risks losing its pluralistic identity, which has long been a cornerstone of its rich cultural landscape.
The growing influence of religious extremism is eroding Bangladesh’s legacy of coexistence, threatening to permanently alter its traditions of diversity and harmony. Cultural events like the Lalon Fair, once beacons of unity, now stand as battlegrounds in the struggle for the nation’s soul.
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