'Tauhidi Janata' demands cancellation of boat race in Sylhet

A traditional boat race scheduled for August 28 on the Sunai River in Sylhet's Beanibazar has triggered a dispute, with a group identifying itself as 'Tauhidi Janata' demanding that the event be cancelled.

The annual competition, organised by youths from Lauta and Bahadurpur unions, has traditionally drawn hundreds of spectators. Organisers say they are determined to hold the event and preserve the centuries-old rural tradition.

However, opposition to this year's race has grown on social media, where individuals associated with the 'Tauhidi Janata' banner have posted messages calling for its cancellation. A meeting was also held at Barigram Bazar Mosque on Thursday under the banner of ‘Tauhidi Janata Lauta Union’ to discuss the issue.

Local residents fear the dispute could escalate if a resolution is not reached. Some said the boat race has long been a popular community event and expressed concern over what they described as threats against the organisers.

Former Lauta Union Parishad chairman Gaus Uddin said efforts were underway to resolve the issue through discussions with both sides and prevent tensions from escalating.

Current Lauta UP chairman Delwar Hossain said he had seen social media posts both supporting and opposing the race but was not aware of anything beyond that.

Abu Zafar Mohammad Mahfuzul Karim, officer-in-charge (OC) of Beanibazar Police Station, said, he was unaware of the matter, adding that police would look into it and take necessary action if required.