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A traditional boat race was held in the Sunai River in Sylhet’s Beanibazar on Friday, despite objections and attempts to stop the event by a group identifying itself as “Touhidi Janata.”
The dispute was resolved peacefully through mediation by local representatives and community members.
The race, organised by the youth of Bahadurpur Gangpar under Lauata Union, began at around 4:30pm.
Thousands of people from Beanibazar, Barlekha, Golapganj and nearby areas gathered along both banks of the river to enjoy the traditional event.
Three boats—Pagla, Hakaluki Bagh and Swadhin Bangla—took part in the competition. Hakaluki Bagh and Pagla reached the final, but they completed their runs separately, leaving the final result unresolved.
The dispute over the event had intensified in recent days. Some local residents had cited concerns including riverbank erosion, damage to farmland and disorder associated with such gatherings, while reports also linked the objections to religious concerns.
A local mediation on August 24 cleared the way for this year’s race.
MP Emran Ahmed Chowdhury said boat racing is part of Bengal’s traditional culture and called for efforts to preserve the heritage for future generations.