2,000 kolkes seized during Baul anniversary event

A three-day event commemorating the 136th death anniversary of the 'Emperor of Bauls,' Fakir Lalon Sai, is set to begin on October 17. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Bauls, spiritual practitioners, and devotees of Lalon from across the country and abroad gather at the 'Akhrabari' (shrine/residence) in Chheuria, located in the Kumarkhali Upazila of Kushtia, to participate in this observance.

In an effort to ensure the event remains free from drugs, the police have launched a series of operations.

On Thursday (October 15) afternoon, the Kumarkhali police seized approximately 2,000 kolkes (traditional pipes used for smoking cannabis) from the fairgrounds at the Lalon Akhrabari. The estimated value of these items exceeds 200,000 Taka. Jamal Uddin, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kumarkhali Police Station, stated that the seized items would be destroyed.

According to the police, the operation, which began last Sunday, continued through Thursday. On Wednesday evening, a raid was conducted involving nearly 200 police personnel, with support from the district administration and the Department of Narcotics Control. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) emphasized that the administration has adopted a 'zero-tolerance' policy toward drugs.

Habib Chouhan, General Secretary of the Kumarkhali Anti-Corruption Committee, alleged that devotees of all ages arrive from across the country for Lalon Sai’s death anniversary. Many of them gather in small groups on open stages and in the surrounding areas to consume drugs, often without any interference. This has caused frustration among concerned citizens and genuine Baul practitioners, who hope that this year’s festival will be entirely drug-free.

Shanta Fakir, who has been visiting the Akhrabari from Chuadanga for about 30 years, remarked, "Fakir Lalon has no connection to cannabis. True devotees and spiritual seekers never engage with drugs. We, too, want this event to be drug-free."

OC Jamal Uddin stated that, under the directives of the Superintendent of Police, regular operations are being conducted to ensure the Lalon festival remains free from drugs. He confirmed the seizure of approximately 2,000 kolkes on Thursday afternoon and added that, to curb drug use, such operations will continue daily.

The President of the Lalon Academy and the Deputy Commissioner, Towhid Bin Hasan stated that the police and the administration are working together to ensure this year’s Lalon Festival is free from drugs. We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs.

- SMJ/NS