Thousands Gather in Itna for Traditional Boat Race; ‘Golden Deer’ First Prize

Thousands of spectators gathered along the banks of the Surma River in Itna upazila of Kishoreganj on Saturday as a traditional boat race was held for the first time in the area.

The race, organised near Dhanpur Bazar, featured 12 boats. Spectators travelled from different parts of Kishoreganj as well as neighbouring Habiganj and Netrokona to witness the competition.

As the boats sped across the river to the rhythm of oars and the calls of the boatmen, crowds on both banks cheered and applauded. Many spectators also arrived by rented boats with family members and friends, turning the river and surrounding waterways into a festive gathering.

Organisers said the event was aimed not only at providing entertainment but also at preserving and promoting rural traditions and folk culture. They said such events could help introduce younger generations to traditional practices and rural sports, while encouraging young people to engage in healthy activities and stay away from drugs and crime.

Kishoreganj-4 MP Fazlur Rahman said creating opportunities for sports and cultural activities could help keep young people away from drugs and criminal activities.

“Boat racing is part of our thousand-year-old heritage,” he said, calling for the event to be organised every year. He also stressed the importance of incorporating traditional music into future races, including songs performed by the boatmen themselves.

After a competitive race among the 12 boats, Shapla Boys Club from Brahmanbaria secured first place and received a trophy named the ‘Golden Deer’. The second-place team received the ‘Silver Peacock’, while the third-place team was awarded an LED television.

Local residents welcomed the large turnout and expressed hope that regular boat races and similar cultural events would help preserve the region’s traditional heritage and make rural sports more popular among younger generations.

Among those present were Kishoreganj District Council Chairman Khaled Saifullah Sohel, former BNP vice-president of the district Advocate Umme Kulsum Rekha, Itna Upazila Nirbahi Officer Makhan Chandra Sutradhar, former BNP joint general secretary of the district Advocate Aminul Islam Ratan, Itna upazila BNP president SM Kamal Hossain and general secretary Siddiquzzaman Thakur Swapan, among others.

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