People and Culture
Centuries-old ‘Jhapan Snake Game’ Revives Rural Tradition in Jhenaidah’s Vhairaba Bazar
A centuries-old rural tradition, the Jhapan Snake Game, was held on Thursday at Vhairaba Bazar in Bashbaria Union of Maheshpur upazila, Jhenaidah. The daylong event, featuring live performances with venomous snakes, turned the entire area into a festive sea of people.
Men, women, and children from nearby villages flocked to witness the event. Organizer Mohammad Jahangir Alam, son of late chairman Abdul Latif, said the purpose was “to preserve rural heritage and provide entertainment for local people.”
Five renowned snake charmers from across Bangladesh participated, including Liton and Sohel Ahmed from Jhenaidah, Sagor Hossain from Magura, Borshi — the only female snake charmer from Chuadanga, and Shobuj from Shailkupa. Under the direction of master Liton, the performers thrilled spectators with daring acts of snake handling and control.
Liton was declared the best performer of the day and received an award from the organizing committee.
Nazmul Huda Jintu, chairman of Bashbaria Union Parishad and chief guest at the event, said, “Such traditional events are vital to keeping today’s youth away from mobile game addiction.”
Speaking after the show, Liton said, “Through this game, we’re trying to bring back a lost part of our rural heritage.”
The vibrant Jhapan Snake Game not only entertained but also rekindled community spirit and cultural pride in Vhairaba Bazar.
A traditional lathi khela (stick-fighting) event was held on Friday (October 17) at Pathra Kindergarten School ground in Maheshpur upazila of Jhenaidah, drawing a large crowd of enthusiastic spectators.
The event was organized to revive the fading rural heritage of Bangladesh. The game was conducted by Shawkat Hossain and led by Md. Shahidul Islam, with around 20 local participants including Odu Islam, Isa Hossain, Atiar Rahman, Mosharraf Hossain, Idris Ali, Ratan, and Ahad.
The entire field echoed with cheers and applause as spectators enjoyed the traditional display. Organizers said their goal was to keep this centuries-old sport alive and inspire younger generations to embrace rural traditions.
Spectator Matiar Rahman said, “Lathi khela used to be very popular here once, but it’s rarely seen now. Watching it today brings back old memories.”
Team leader Shawkat Hossain added, “We are proud to carry on the legacy of our forefathers. As long as we can, we’ll keep this game alive.”
Organizers expressed hope that such events would continue regularly to preserve and celebrate Bangladesh’s rural cultural heritage.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has declared the signing of the July National Charter 2025 as the “birth of a new Bangladesh.” The signing ceremony took place on Friday (17 October) at the South Plaza of the National Parliament building in Dhaka.
Following eight months of nationwide dialogue and consensus-building among political parties, representatives signed the historic charter, later joined by Dr. Yunus himself.
“Our rebirth begins today,” Yunus said in his speech. “Through this signing, we have agreed to walk the right path, seeking Allah’s mercy so that we do not deviate from it.”
He expressed confidence that the consensus would be managed wisely and would guide Bangladesh toward a brighter future.
“The charter will transform the country and draw international attention,” Yunus said, thanking all political parties for their cooperation in making it a reality.
Referring to the role of young people, Dr. Yunus praised their leadership during this historic transition. “The youth who made this day possible will rebuild Bangladesh. This country belongs to them,” he said.
Highlighting the nation’s demographic advantage, he noted, “Out of 180 million people, half are under the age of 27. That is our greatest wealth. The world looks to us because globally there is a shortage of young people.”
Yunus concluded by describing the charter as a roadmap for the future government to rebuild the nation.
Hundreds of demonstrators identifying themselves as “July Fighters” staged a protest on Friday (17 October) evening outside the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament, rejecting the newly signed July National Charter.
They denounced the charter as “controversial,” claiming it undermines those injured during the July movement. The protesters demanded justice for attacks on activists and called for the charter’s immediate cancellation.
The protest erupted around 6:30 p.m., shortly after the charter’s signing ceremony concluded. Police blocked the demonstrators with barricades as they attempted to march into the Parliament compound.
Standing behind the security cordon, protest leaders accused the government of drafting the charter “under India’s prescription” and completing “a rehabilitation process for the Awami League,” alleging it failed to reflect public expectations.
Yasin Nur, one of the movement’s organizers, said, “This charter was signed after beating up July protesters. Until it is revoked, our movement will continue. The government has given it no legal foundation.”
Earlier in the day, the group attempted to occupy the main stage of the signing ceremony, leading to clashes with police and a series of chases and counter-chases. At least 20 protesters were injured and are now receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
