Rash Mela begins Nov 10

The Forest Department (East) authorities have taken special security measures at Alorkol in Dublar Char near the Sundarbans as the three-day traditional Rash Mela (Rash Festival) is set to begin on November 10 there, officials said.

They said alongside taking some other measures, a ban has been imposed on carrying all kinds of meats except chicken, fireworks, explosives, any kind of domestic weapons and firearms.

Sources said, deer hunting spree usually appears to rise during the festival every year as hundreds of boats carrying thousands of devotees throng the festival venue at Alorkol in Dublar Char, close to the coast of Bay of Bengal, under Sharankhola Range of the mangrove forest.

"We had a meeting with the district administration to stop poaching of deer at any cost during the festival," said Md Mahmudul Hasan, Divisional Forest Officer (East Division) of the Sundarbans today.

The pilgrims will be allowed to travel to eight selected points during day time, he said.

Usage of loudspeakers, electronic devices, carrying of firearms and ammunitions are completely restricted and travelling will be prohibited at night, he also said.

All preparation has been completed to celebrate the Rash Mela and the Rash Mela celebration committee has been asked to monitor so that deer hunting incidents cannot happen during the festival, he added.

"Alongside Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy and patrol teams of the forest department will be deputed for the protection of the pilgrims in Pashur, Shewla, Bhola and Shibsa rivers from November 10," the forest official said.

"The forest department has fixed eight river routes from Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and adjacent Barguna for the pilgrims to travel to the venue," he said, adding that visitors will have to finish all their activities and leave the forest area before sunset during the festival.