<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>The 115th edition of traditional ‘Jabbarer Boli Khela’ (wrestling competition) kicked off at historic Laldighi ground in the port city of Chattogram on Thursday afternoon amid the countrywide scorching heat.</b></span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like every year, interested competitors submitted their names to the organising committee to participate in this year's Boli Khela. Their names were taken till 11 am on Thursday.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the competition, the stage of 'Boli-Khela' was built on 165 poles at Laldighi ground, said organisers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Though the main event started today, a ‘Baishakhi Mela’ centring the competition started Tuesday. The crowd at the fair venue started to increase from Wednesday noon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the other hand, organising the Boli Khela amid the prevailing heat wave sparked criticism on social media. Although some are in favour of continuing the game others are suggesting its postponement.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jahar Lal Hazari, president of the Abdul Jabbar Memory Wrestling Competition and Boishakhi Mela Committee, said the stage where the wrestling will be held was prepared and the fair will continue till the night of April 26.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The entire area of Laldighi Par from the city's Anderkilla intersection has been decorated. Traders from different parts of the country thronged the fair venue with a variety of products along with local businessmen, reports UNB</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Renowned local merchant Abdul Jabbar Sawdagar of the city’s Badorpati area introduced wrestling in 1909 (Bangla 1316) with the aim to organise youths against British government .</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">However the 111th and 112th editions of the game and fair were canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/fas</div>