Md Mijanur Rahman Akanda, Phulpur: An alleged unauthorised ticketing operation has been drawing large crowds—and raising serious safety concerns—at a children’s entertainment fair in Phulpur of Mymensingh, with local residents claiming that organisers are collecting hundreds of thousands of taka every day without approval from the local administration.

The fair, located beside the Mymensingh-Sherpur highway near Shahapur Bazar in Phulpur municipality, reportedly began on September 27. It operates from the afternoon until late at night, attracting hundreds of children, teenagers and their guardians every day.

According to local residents, various amusement rides at the fair are charging Tk30 per person for a ride lasting only about five minutes. They allege that the organisers are earning a substantial amount of money through the sale of tickets, despite having no permission from the upazila administration to hold the fair.

The allegations have also circulated widely on social media, prompting concerns over the legality of the event and the safety of children visiting the venue.

Several guardians who visited the fair complained that the ticket prices were excessive considering the short duration of the rides.

“ We brought our children here for entertainment, but the high ticket prices and very short ride times have left us disappointed,” one guardian said, requesting anonymity.

Safety concerns intensified following an incident involving an electrically operated rotating ride at the fair.

According to local sources, the ride suddenly stopped after a power failure two days ago. As there was reportedly no alternative generator system, several children fell from the ride, leaving at least five injured.

There are also allegations that the incident was quickly settled with the intervention of influential local individuals before it became widely known.

The reported accident has raised questions about whether adequate safety measures have been put in place before allowing children to use the rides.

Residents are particularly concerned because the fair is being operated immediately beside the busy Mymensingh-Sherpur highway. They fear that the combination of amusement rides, large crowds and inadequate safety arrangements could lead to a major accident at any time.

Local residents have called on the administration to investigate the alleged ticketing operation and immediately review whether the fair has any legal authorisation. They have also demanded appropriate action to ensure the safety of children and prevent potential accidents.

Phulpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Firoz Hossain said the organisers had arranged the fair on their own land and had informed the police about it.

However, Phulpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sadhana Tripura said the upazila administration had not granted any permission for organising the fair.

“No permission has been given by the upazila administration to organise the fair. Necessary legal action will be taken if a written complaint is submitted,” she said.

The conflicting accounts regarding the fair’s status have intensified calls from residents for an administrative investigation, particularly into the alleged collection of tickets, safety arrangements and the reported accident involving children.

As the fair continues to attract visitors, questions remain over the legal basis of the event and whether adequate safeguards are in place to protect the children and families attending it.