Sylhet boat race set for August 28 after local dispute resolved

The annual boat race on the Sunai River in Beanibazar of Sylhet will go ahead as scheduled on August 28 as the uncertainty surrounding the traditional event has been resolved following discussions between local residents and organisers, according to the upazila administration.

Beanibazar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Umme Habiba Majumder confirmed the development on Sunday morning (August 23), saying the dispute had been settled through discussions with the local community.

"Boat racing is a traditional rural event in Bengal. The situation has been resolved through discussions with local residents," she said, adding that the organising committee is now overseeing preparations and arrangements for the event.

The race has been organised by young people from Lauta and Bahadurpur areas of Lauta Union as part of their annual celebration. This year, however, a section of local residents demanded its cancellation, citing concerns over riverbank erosion and possible damage to nearby cropland.

A meeting was also held under the banner of 'Touhidi Janata Lauta Union', while the dispute triggered a heated debate on social media.

Those opposing the event said waves generated during the race could accelerate erosion along the riverbank and damage paddy seedlings and other crops near the river.

Organisers, however, maintained that the boat race is a long-standing local tradition and has been held for generations. Aminul, a member of the organising committee, alleged that misinformation about the event had been spread among local farmers and presented differently on social media.

Amid concerns that the dispute could escalate, a team from the upazila administration visited Lauta Union and held discussions with local representatives, organisers and community leaders.

Lauta Union Parishad Chairman Delwar Hossain also confirmed that the dispute had been resolved after discussions with both sides.

With the intervention of the administration and cooperation from local stakeholders, the boat race will now be held on August 28 as originally planned.