Boat race cancelled in Sirajganj, Section 144 imposed

A dispute has arisen between leaders of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami over the organisation of a traditional boat race on the Karatoya River in Ullapara, Sirajganj. Both sides announced separate dates for the event at the same venue, leading to tensions. The upazila administration subsequently cancelled the competition and imposed Section 144.

The boat race has long been organised locally at the Kaliganj ghat on the Karatoya River in Panchakshi union. In continuation of this tradition, the BNP announced the event for September 7, 8 and 9.

Following this, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders announced their own race for September 4 and 5 at the same location and began preparations. Tensions rose over the competing schedules, and both sides filed complaints with the upazila administration.

Selim Reza, convener of the BNP-organised boat race and former UP member, said preparations had been made for the 17th boat race on September 7, 8 and 9. The event was to feature Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku as chief guest and Sirajganj-4 MP and Jamaat leader Rafiqul Islam Khan as special guest. He alleged that Jamaat leader Johurul Islam Penu suddenly set up another stage beside theirs and began preparations for a counter-event on September 4 and 5, prompting the administration to impose Section 144 from September 4.

Johurul Islam Penu, general secretary of the Jamaat-organised race celebration committee and Panchakshi union Jamaat, said they had also made preparations. He claimed that with Minister Tuku hospitalised and unable to attend, the BNP lodged a complaint to have their event stopped.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rayhanul Islam could not be reached for comment.