Nikli: The traditional boat race returned to the Ghorautra River in Nikli, Kishoreganj, after a 17-year hiatus, drawing thousands of enthusiastic spectators to both banks of the river.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the race was held in the Prem Ghat area of the upazila, organised by the Nikli Citizens' Society. At least 12 large and small boats participated in the roughly four-kilometre competition, attracting participants from different parts of Kishoreganj and the greater Sylhet region, Brahmanbaria, and Netrokona.
From the afternoon, people began gathering along both banks of the river to watch the competition. Children, teenagers, women, men, and elderly residents joined the crowds, cheering loudly as the boats raced across the water. The rhythmic sound of oars filled the air as the boatmen rowed in unison, pushing their boats towards the finish line. The excitement among spectators grew with every passing moment, recreating a familiar scene of rural Bengal that had gradually disappeared over the years.
Boat racing is an important part of the folk culture of rural Bengal. Such competitions were once regularly organised during the monsoon season on rivers and in the haor wetlands. The coordinated rowing of the boatmen, intense competition, and enthusiastic crowds traditionally turned the events into colourful community festivals. However, the tradition gradually declined and disappeared from many areas for various reasons. According to the organisers, boat races in the haor region had remained suspended for nearly 17 years.
The revival of the race generated considerable enthusiasm among local residents, who welcomed the return of the traditional event after such a long gap. In the large-boat category, the boat representing Mohorkona-Keshabpur Ekota Sangha won first place and received a motorcycle as the prize. The boat of Nagarsihati Advocate Manik Mia finished second and was awarded a refrigerator, while the boat from Brahmanbaria secured third place and received an LED television.
Kishoreganj-5 (Nikli-Bajitpur) lawmaker Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal attended the event and handed over the prizes to the winners. Nikli Citizens' Society President and freedom fighter Advocate Manik Mia was also present on the occasion.