By 
GHRD Research Team
Via Pixabay, October 6, 2016
For the first time in nearly five decades, Chattogram’s iconic Poila Boishkh celebration at DC Hill was cancelled after vandals stormed the venue, sparking fear among organisers and locals.
For the first time in 47 years, the Pohela Boishakh celebrations at DC Hill in Chattogram were cancelled following a violent attack on Sunday evening, April 13th. Just a day before the Bengali New Year, a group of 30 – 40 people stormed Nazrul Square around 7:15 PM, vandalising the stage, tearing down banners and shouting political slogans. Organisers say the attackers damaged chairs, tore the pandal fabric, and created an atmosphere of fear.
The event organised by the Combined Pohela Boishakh Celebration Committee has been a cultural tradition in Chattogram since 1976. Speaking to the press, committee member Mohammed Ali Titu said the stage and preparations were complete, but the attack made it impossible to go ahead with the celebration. He claimed the atmosphere has been “completely ruined”.
Police responded quickly and detained six people. Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner, Md Alamgir Hossain, confirmed the arrests and said that while the stage structure was not destroyed, banners and parts of the decoration were damaged. Since no complaints were filed against them at night, they were released on bond.
The attack has drawn sharp criticism from local cultural groups and political activists, claiming the attack was pre-planned and blaming the law enforcement for failing to protect the venue. With the stage destroyed and fear lingering, organisers officially called off the 2025 celebrations, leaving a deep void in the city’s cultural life.
Sources and Further Readings:
Boishakh celebration cancelled at DC Hill
Pahela Baishakh celebration venue vandalised in Ctg’s DC Hill
6 held over attack, vandalism during Pohela Boishakh preparations at Chittagong DC Hill
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