Narail:A traditional boat race featuring 16 women's teams took place on the Kajla River in Narail on Saturday, drawing large crowds and creating a festive atmosphere along both banks. The event, part of a broader cultural festival, aimed to highlight the region's rich history and traditions.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the race commenced at around 3:30pm in the Egarokhan area of Shekhati Union under Narail Sadar upazila. SM Ziauddin Haider, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Affairs, inaugurated the event, which was part of the two-day 'National Women's Boat Race, Cultural Festival and Free Health Camp-2026', organized by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and implemented by Alokapuri Cultural Centre.
Among those present at the inaugural ceremony were Narail-1 lawmaker Biswas Jahangir Alam, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Md Shamimuzzaman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Deputy Secretary) Lincoln Biswas, the corporation's Director Md Ganiul Azam, Civil Surgeon Dr Abdur Rashid, and Additional Superintendent of Police Nur-e-Alam Siddiqui.
The event aimed to showcase Narail's history, culture, and tourism potential to both domestic and international visitors. It also sought to preserve folk traditions, promote women's participation and empowerment, and expand access to healthcare services for rural communities. The festival was formally inaugurated on Friday morning at the grounds of Guakhola Secondary School by Narail-1 lawmaker Biswas Jahangir Alam.
On the opening day, more than 500 people received free medical services. Organizers and local stakeholders expressed hope that the initiative would help promote tourism, preserve rural cultural traditions, and create greater opportunities for women to engage in social and cultural activities.