A human chain was formed on Friday near the Pabna-Ishwardi highway protesting against alleged drug trade and prostitution at an amusement park in Pabna’s Ishwardiupazila.

Local people at Bhavanipur village chanted slogans against what they said illegal and unethical activities at the park by displaying brooms and shoes.  According to local people, local business person Afzal Hossain Ratan set up the amusement park named J&J at Bhabanipur village two years ago.

Local residents Akubbar Hossain and Anisur Rahman alleged that Ratan had been doing prostitution and drug trade in the name of the amusement park. They alleged that the police did not take any action after being notified of these activities.

Instead of stopping the illegal activities, the police are harassing locals, they added. Ishwardi police station officer-in-charge Arvind Sarkar, however, denied the allegations against the police and said that the park was an entertainment centre for common people.

‘But illegal and anti-social activities will not be tolerated there. Action will be taken after investigation, if written complaint is filed,’ the OC added. When journalists tried to contact the business person, the main gate of the park was found closed.

Also, he could not be reached over the phone for his comment.