Chittagong hosts electric go-kart racing tournament to promote local technology and sustainable sports

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Competitors navigated a tight, winding course of green, yellow, and orange markers at the gymnasium adjacent to Chittagong’s M.A. Aziz Stadium on Friday, as the city hosted its second annual “Go-Kart” tournament. The event, organized by the domestic technology firm Jantre, showcased small, high-performance racing vehicles that demand both precision steering and strategic speed. With 32 participants competing for the fastest lap time—including six drivers who traveled from Dhaka—the tournament served as a platform for showcasing locally engineered electric racing technology.

Jantre founder Md. Muktadir Sajid stated that the initiative aims to bridge the gap for Bangladeshi youth who aspire to participate in international karting or Formula One but have historically lacked the infrastructure and training facilities to do so. According to Sajid, Jantre is the first company in Bangladesh to manufacture electric go-karts, which are designed to be solar-charged and fully emission-free. By eliminating the need for fossil fuels, the karts offer a sustainable, noiseless alternative to traditional racing machines, positioning the sport as both a recreational pursuit and an example of eco-friendly innovation.

The tournament was inaugurated by Chittagong City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain, who emphasized the importance of harnessing the inventive potential of the country’s youth. He noted that the integration of homegrown technology with sports reflects a broader need for sustainable development in the face of climate change. The Mayor pledged the city corporation’s continued support for such creative ventures, highlighting the necessity of promoting renewable energy-reliant technologies.

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Industry leaders and academics in attendance praised the event for its ability to foster both technical skill and physical activity. Daily Azadi editor M.A. Malek urged for an increase in diverse sports programming, suggesting that such competitions are vital in encouraging young people to transition from digital screens to the athletic field. The event drew participation from various sectors, with remarks delivered by representatives from East Delta University, Premier University, the Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the local business community.