Thousands of spectators lined both banks of the Titas River in Brahmanbaria on Sunday as a colourful traditional boat race returned after a two-year hiatus.
Organised by the district administration, the race began at around 3:30pm along the stretch between Shimrailkandi and Medda areas of the district town.
Nine boats from different parts of Brahmanbaria took part in the competition, with the boat of Shapla Boys Club from Khamtapur village in Sadar upazila emerging as the winner.
Spectators began gathering along the riverbanks before noon, with the crowd swelling as the race drew closer. Once the competition began, cheers and chants from the packed riverbanks created a festive atmosphere.
The brightly decorated boats raced through the Titas as rowers paddled in unison, drawing loud cheers from supporters.
The last boat race on the Titas was held in 2023. The event is considered an important part of Brahmanbaria’s cultural heritage and traditionally attracts visitors from neighbouring districts.
Roni Alam, an expatriate living in Italy, travelled from Dhaka to watch the race.
“Boat racing is a festival close to our hearts. I came from Dhaka this morning despite the difficulties just to watch it. Seeing the enthusiasm of people on both banks has erased all my fatigue,” he said.
Another spectator, Al Amin Shaheen, said the event had created a festive atmosphere across the district.
“We want the boat race to be organised every year,” he said.
Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Md Abusaid said the boat race was a popular traditional event.
“Boat racing is a festival close to the hearts of the people here. From next year, we will organise it on an even larger scale,” he said.
Brahmanbaria-3 MP Khaled Hossain Mahbub said the event highlighted the district’s cultural heritage amid what he described as recent negative campaigns about Brahmanbaria and its culture on social media.
“This boat race has shown that Brahmanbaria is a cultural capital. Boat racing is an integral part of our heritage,” he said, adding that he hoped the event would be organised regularly from next year.
Prizes were later handed over to the winning team at a ceremony attended by District Council Administrator Sirajul Islam, Deputy Director of the Local Government Division Shariful Islam, Superintendent of Police Shah Md Abdur Rouf, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ranjan Chandra Dey and other officials and local political leaders.
