117th Jabbar’s Balikhela to Begin April 25 at Laldighi

Preparations are in full swing for the 117th edition of the historic Abdul Jabbar’s Balikhela and its accompanying two-day Baisakhi Mela. The iconic wrestling competition is scheduled for April 25, while the traditional fair will run from April 24 to 25.

During a preparatory meeting held at the historic ‘Jabbar House’ in Badarpati, the organizing committee called for public cooperation to ensure the event's success. A key focus of the meeting was the protection of small traders traveling from across the country. Organizers urged law enforcement and local residents to remain vigilant against extortion or harassment of vendors.

The committee renewed its appeal to the government to posthumously award the Independence Award to Abdul Jabbar, who originally founded the competition to mobilize the youth during the anti-British movement.

The organizers also expressed gratitude to Chittagong City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain and the City Corporation for the recent development of Laldighi Chattar, which has been officially designated as ‘Abdul Jabbar Chattar.’

In a move to institutionalize the sport, the committee announced a policy decision to form a permanent wrestling team under Abdul Jabbar’s name and to document the competition's century-long history for future generations.

The meeting was chaired by Mohammad Hafizur Rahman, President of the Organizing Committee, and attended by General Secretary Shawkat Anwar Badal and other senior members.