Local Opposition Clouds Annual Boat Racing Competition in Sylhet Upazila
Photo Collected
A traditional boat racing competition scheduled for August 28 on the Sonai River in Beanibazar, Sylhet, faces mounting pressure from a local group calling for its cancellation. Opponents, organized under the banner of the Lauta Union Tawhidi Janata, claim the event encourages gambling, disrupts public order, and causes environmental and agricultural damage.
The annual competition, a local tradition spanning nearly two decades, is organized by the youth of Lauta and Bahadurpur villages. The event is set to take place in the Trigar-gangarmukh area, bordering the Beanibazar and Barlekha upazilas. Organizers have incentivized participation with prizes including a cow for the first-place winner and a goat for the runner-up.
Opposition to the event gained momentum over the past week through social media campaigns and a public meeting held last Thursday at the Baraigram Bazar Mosque. In circulating videos of the meeting, speakers alleged that the competition facilitates gambling, contributes to riverbank erosion, damages crops, and leads to traffic congestion that hinders emergency medical transport. Some opponents also cited past incidents of violence and property destruction associated with the race, arguing that such events tarnish the reputation of the local community.
Beanibazar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Umme Habiba Mazumdar confirmed that the administration is aware of the dispute. She noted that while the race is a long-standing tradition, concerns have been raised regarding potential violence, damage to riverbanks, and agricultural losses. The administration has tasked the Lauta Union Parishad Chairman, Delwar Hossain, with mediating between the opposing groups.
Chairman Delwar Hossain stated that he has invited both parties to the UNO’s office for a discussion to reach a resolution. The administration has emphasized that any such event must receive formal administrative approval, and officials will assess whether the competition poses a risk to law and order before granting permission.
Despite the protests, members of the organizing committee remain optimistic. Aminul Islam, a representative of the organizers, stated that a small minority is opposing the event, while local elders support the tradition. Organizers expect the meeting with local leaders to clear the way for the competition to proceed as planned, with boat registrations scheduled to close this coming Friday.
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