Boat race in Habiganj haor

Over10,000 villagers, enjoyed a traditional boat race on the remote Baghata haor of Baniachang upazila in Habiganj district on Saturday last. The teams were from the district and adjacent Kishoreganj district.
The 5-kilometre area turned festive. Cheering inhabitants on small boats from villages around arrived on both the banks. Beating drums with songs they added to the festivity.
The racers of Bhati Baratia Juba Sangha of Nikli upazila in Kishoreganj district were champions while Baratia Sangha was declared the runner-up in the keenly contested event. The local Baghata Juba Sangha team came in third.
Baniachang Upazila Parishad chairman Iqbal Hossain Khan attended the event as chief guest while Kagapasha Union Parishad chairman chaired the prize giving function.
Baghata Juba Sangha organised the traditional event. The chief guest said the boat race would be arranged regularly with the assistance of the government and local institutions.