Radical groups call for boycott of Dhaka's Poush Sankranti festival

Groups of people possibly associated with radical Islamic outfits have been leading protest marches in Dhaka calling for the boycott of the Poush Sankranti or the Shakrain festival, which is celebrated in a grand manner in Bangladesh.

- SHIKHA SALARIA

While the festival of Shakrain has been celebrated on a large scale over the past several decades by all communities, especially in old Dhaka (Puran Dhaka), Islamic groups have now been urging residents not to indulge in parties and DJing during Poush Sankranti celebrations on January 14, stating that "it is not part of their culture."

In one of the videos that went viral on social media on Friday, the leader of the group is heard requesting people in an area of Dhaka not to partake in partying, DJing, or musical celebrations of Poush Sankranti, saying that "it is not part of their culture."

In another video that went viral on Monday, a group of people in old Dhaka were seen marching through the streets of the area, raising slogans of "boycott."