The historic 350-year-old Katagor Dewan Shagir Shah fair, locally known as Katagor Mela, was not held this year in Boalmari upazila, Faridpur, due to a conflict between two factions of the local BNP.

Citing security concerns, the local administration denied permission for the month-long fair, which was set to begin today (March 26) in Katagor village.

Boalmari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanvir Hasan Chowdhury said, "Both factions applied for permission to organize the fair. We informed them they could proceed only if they reached a consensus. Since they failed to do so, we did not approve it."

Locals said the fair is held annually on the 12th of Chaitra in the Bengali calendar to mark the Urs (death anniversary observance) of Dewan Shagir Shah (RA). Since his passing in the 1840s, devotees have gathered at his shrine in Katagor village, under Rupapat union of Boalmari upazila, to honor his memory.

The fair traditionally features horse races, cultural performances, and devotional music sessions.

According to locals and administration officials, two rival BNP factions had applied to hold the fair from March 25 to 30.

One faction, led by Ali Akkas, general secretary of Rupapat Union BNP, supports Shamsuddin Mia (alias Jhunu), a BNP nomination aspirant for the Faridpur-1 constituency. The other faction, led by Mizanur Rahman (alias Sona Mia), chairman of Rupapat Union Parishad, backs Khandaker Nasirul Islam, a central vice president of Krishak Dal.

Tensions escalated when the two groups clashed violently on March 15. Fearing further unrest during the fair, authorities withheld permission.

Shamsuddin Mia (Jhunu), former joint general secretary of Boalmari upazila BNP, said, "We followed due process in seeking permission, but Nasirul's supporters also applied and then attacked our activists."

Khandaker Nasirul Islam denied the allegation, stating, "This is less about BNP's internal conflict and more about financial interests. The fair generates substantial revenue, which is the real cause of the dispute."

Boalmari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahmudul Hasan said, "If tensions are already high before the fair, they could escalate further during the event."

Meanwhile, UNO Tanvir Hasan Chowdhury clarified that there were no restrictions on holding the Urs Sharif observance, allowing devotees to visit the shrine for prayers.