Grameenphone-sponsored 116th Jabbarer Boli Khela set for Friday

Syed Mizan, Bojrokontho :::

[Dhaka, 22 April, 2025] With the patronage of Grameenphone, the country’s leading telecommunications provider, the 116th edition of the historic and widely celebrated Abdul Jabbarer Boli Khela (traditional wrestling competition) will be held on Friday, 25 April, in Chattogram. Like every year, Boishakhi Mela (traditional fair) will take place for three days—on April 24, 25, and 26—at and around the historic Laldighi Maidan on the occasion.

To share updates on the preparations, a press conference was held today (Tuesday) at the Chattogram City Corporation Library near Laldighi. Shawkat Anwar Badal, Member Secretary of the 2025 Boli Khela Organizing Committee and grandson of Abdul Jabbar Soudagar; Morshed Ahmed, Regional Head of Grameenphone’s Chattogram Central Region; Md. Abdullah Al Noor, Head of Market Communication of the Chattogram Business Circle; and other senior members of the organizing committee were present at the conference.

Introduced in 1909, Boli Khela was initiated to physically empower and unite the youth of Bengal during the anti-British movement. This traditional event began at Laldighi Maidan under the leadership of Abdul Jabbar Soudagar, a prominent businessman from the then Badarpati area in Chattogram. Over time, the event came to be known as “Jabbarer Boli Khela.”

Renowned wrestlers from both local communities and remote areas across the country participate in this competition. So far, 150 wrestlers have registered to take part in this year’s event. In keeping with tradition, the competition is held annually on the 12th day of the Bengali month of Boishakh.

The main wrestling ring will be set up at Laldighi Maidan. The Boishakhi Mela stalls will stretch from the Kotwali Thana junction to Andarkilla junction, westward to Cinema Palace intersection, and eastward to Jail Road (Badarpati). The fair offers a wide range of goods—from toys and dolls for children to essential everyday items.

Shawkat Anwar Badal, Member Secretary of the 2025 Boli Khela Organizing Committee and grandson of Abdul Jabbar Soudagar, said, “As in every year, preparations are underway in collaboration with the Chattogram Metropolitan Police, City Corporation, and the fair committee to ensure a smooth and festive event. We are confident that with everyone’s participation and support, we will successfully organize this traditional celebration.”

Mohammad Morshed Ahmed, Regional Head of Grameenphone’s Chattogram Central Region, said, “Grameenphone is honoured to be part of a traditional and popular event like Jabbarer Boli Khela. We have sponsored this event in the past as well. We deeply respect local heritage, culture, and traditions. Out of our commitment to society and the people, Grameenphone remains dedicated to supporting such initiatives.”