Boat race marking Mujib Year, Golden Jubilee of Independence held

A boat race was held on the Modhumoti river of Bagerhat Monday, marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh independence.

People from all walks of life gathered on both sides of the river at Mollahat Upazila of the district to witness this traditional sporting event.

The day-long event was organised by the local Awami League and was named after a member of the parliament of Bagerhat-1 constituency Sheikh Helal Uddin.

A total of seven boats decorated with different colours participated in the competition and a team named ‘Bhai Bhai Jolpori Baicch Dol’ led by Md Didarul Alam came out triumphant at the end of the day.

‘Dui Bhai Jolpori Baicch dol’ captained by Md Iqbal Hossain became the runners-up of the event.

The first two teams were awarded a fridge and television was awarded to all the seven participating teams.

Starting from Mollahat bridge, these boats covered around 3 km during the race,

Members of the winning team ‘Bhai Bhai Jolpori Baicch Dol’ told UNB that their team consists of rowers from several upazilas of Bagerhat.

They said they participated in the event to ensure that this specific tradition of rural Bengal is sustained.