Boli Bonanza: Grameenphone Sponsors 116th Edition of Abdul Jabbar’s Wrestling Festiva
Under the sponsorship of mobile operator Grameenphone, the 116th edition of the historic Abdul Jabbar’s Boli Khela—Chattogram's iconic traditional wrestling tournament—will be held on Friday, April 25. As part of the festivities, the annual Boishakhi Fair will take place on April 24, 25, and 26 at the historic Laldighi Maidan and its surrounding areas.
This announcement was made at a press conference held Tuesday afternoon at the City Corporation Library beside Laldighi in Chattogram. The event was attended by members of the 2025 Boli Khela Organising Committee, including the committee’s member secretary and grandson of Abdul Jabbar, Shawkat Anwar Badal, Grameenphone’s Chattogram Central Regional Head Morshed Ahmed, and Md. Abdullah Al Noor, Head of Market Communication at Chattogram Business Circle, among other key organizers.
Originating in 1909 at Laldighi Maidan during the British colonial era, the Boli Khela was initiated by prominent Badarpati-based businessman Abdul Jabbar Soudagar. His goal was to physically and morally mobilize Bengali youth against colonial rule. Over the decades, the event became deeply interwoven with Chattogram’s heritage and came to be known by the founder’s name.
The competition attracts famed wrestlers (referred to locally as bolis) from across the country, alongside enthusiastic participation from locals. This year, 150 wrestlers have already registered to compete. True to its tradition, the event is organized annually on the 12th of Boishakh in the Bengali calendar.
A wrestling ring will be set up in the center of Laldighi Maidan, while the Boishakhi Fair will extend from Kotwali Thana Junction to Andarkilla Junction, and from Cinema Palace Junction in the west to Jail Road (Badarpati) in the east. The fair will offer a wide range of items—from children's toys to essential household products.
Shawkat Anwar Badal, member secretary of the 2025 organizing committee and grandson of Abdul Jabbar, stated, “As in previous years, the Chattogram Metropolitan Police, City Corporation, and the fair committee are taking various measures to ensure the successful organization of Boli Khela and the Boishakhi Fair. We believe that with your participation and cooperation, we will be able to carry out this traditional event smoothly.”
Mohammad Morshed Ahmed, Regional Head of Grameenphone’s Chattogram Central Region, said, “Grameenphone is proud to be a part of such a historic and popular event as Jabbar’s Boli Khela. We have supported this event before as well. We hold deep respect for local heritage, culture, and tradition. Grameenphone is committed to standing by initiatives like this out of our responsibility to society and its people.”
