Pabna villagers unite to fund and build 125-foot traditional racing boat

Residents of Chandai village in the Atgharia Upazila of Pabna are collectively funding the construction of a 125-foot traditional racing boat, dubbed “Chandai Janata Express,” as part of an effort to preserve the region’s long-standing nautical heritage. The project, estimated to cost 1.5 million BDT, is being financed entirely through public donations ranging from small individual contributions to large sums from local farmers, businessmen, and expatriates.

The construction site has transformed into a local landmark, drawing villagers of all ages to a tented pavilion near the village market. Craftsmen are currently assembling the vessel, working from dawn until night to the accompaniment of traditional folk songs. Organizers stated that the inclusion of the word “Janata”—meaning “the people”—in the boat’s name reflects the communal effort behind the project.

Boat racing has been an integral part of Chandai’s identity for nearly four decades, with the village first commissioning a racing boat in 1988. The local rowing team has since earned a strong reputation, securing numerous regional prizes and winning first place twice in the National Boat Racing Competition on the Buriganga River. For many, like 80-year-old former rower Golzar Hossain, the tradition represents more than just a sport; it is an emotional connection to the community’s history passed down through generations.

The boat is being built by 70-year-old master craftsman Dulal Chandra Sutradhar, who has spent five decades constructing racing vessels. Sutradhar, who has built approximately 70 such boats across the country, noted that the process is technically demanding. It requires high-quality timber such as Sal, Garjan, and Teak, which must be heat-treated to achieve the necessary curvature. A boat of this scale typically requires up to two months of intensive labor to ensure precise measurements and structural integrity.

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Asadul Islam, a member of the management committee and a ward representative of the Ekdanta Union Parishad, noted that this is the fourth racing boat produced by the village’s collective initiative. With construction expected to conclude within the next 17 to 18 days, a team of veteran and novice rowers is already being prepared for future competitions.

Despite their dedication, organizers expressed concern over the lack of formal state support for this cultural endeavor. Committee member Abdul Mannan emphasized that while the villagers are committed to funding the tradition out of their own pockets, government patronage would be instrumental in ensuring the sustainability of these nautical customs, which remain central to the village’s social and cultural cohesion.