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A group calling itself ‘Tawhidi Janata’ has demanded the cancellation of a traditional boat race scheduled to be held on the Sonai River in Sylhet’s Beanibazar on August 28.
The demand has sparked debate on social media, with people expressing views both for and against the event. Local residents fear the dispute could lead to tension and possible clashes.
The Beanibazar upazila administration said the boat race is a traditional event but noted that the organisers have not sought written permission to hold it. They have also not formally informed the administration of any obstacles or problems related to the event.
Young people from Lauta and Bahadurpur villages have organised the boat race on the Sonai River for years. Hundreds of people traditionally gather along both banks to watch the competition.
This year, however, a group under the banner of ‘Tawhidi Janata Lauta Union’ has called for the event to be cancelled. A meeting was held at Barigram Bazar Mosque last Thursday, where participants demanded that the competition be stopped. Locals said several posts opposing the event have also appeared on social media.
Residents expressed concern that the growing dispute could worsen the situation. Former Lauta Union Parishad chairman Gaus Uddin said efforts were underway to resolve the issue through discussions with both sides.
Beanibazar police chief Abu Zafar Mohammad Mahfuzul Karim said organisers are required to obtain permission or a no-objection certificate from the district administration before holding such an event. He said police were gathering information and monitoring the situation before making a decision.
Beanibazar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Umme Habiba Majumder described the boat race as a traditional event but said the organisers must obtain administrative permission. She added that police and field-level officials had been instructed to look into the matter.
