A purported trade fair has been operating on the runway of the inactive Cumilla airport, despite residents’ longstanding demand for the airport to be reopened. Local businessman Amir Hossain arranged the event for two months from August 16, according to the report. His associates Badal and Billal Hossain were also named in connection with local supervision of the fair.

Visitors are alleged to be buying entry coupons that offer a chance to win prizes through a lottery. The lottery activity was initially halted but resumed from last Friday, the report said. Various rides and temporary structures have been built on the runway. Amir Hossain said stalls had been set up to sell domestic and foreign products and denied that any illegal activity was taking place.

Cumilla-6 MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury said 10 local BNP leaders had sought his approval for the fair, but he did not grant permission. Cumilla City Corporation administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu said no permission had been obtained from the corporation and it did not know who was organizing the event. Police Superintendent Md Anisuzzaman said no application for permission had reached his office.