A special boat race arranged in the capital’s Hatirjheel came as a recreational treat to the Dhakaites on the occasion of the country’s 43rd Victory Day yesterday.
The “Nouka Baich” (boat race), an age-old game of the country, took place at the heart of the capital for the first time. Thousands of spectators enjoyed the game arranged by Bangladesh Rowing Federation and sponsored by mobile phone operator Banglalink.
The race started from Rampura point and ended at Police Plaza point near Gulshan. Three boats among nine topped the race in different categories.
Although Hatirjheel is an important place for recreation, its water remains dirty most of the time.
As rivers and boat races are an integral part of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Rowing Federation was continuously trying to promote the boat race, the organisers said.