Boat race to generate awareness in fish farming

A rally was brought out prior to the race. Photo: STAR

A traditional boat race was organised at Gaznar Beel (swamp) in Sujanagar upazila under the district on Monday to generate awareness on fish farming. On the occasion, a discussion was held at Raninagar Beel Gazna High School and College premises. The Department of Fisheries organised the event.
The boat race kicked off at 'Poradanga' point at noon. Around 15-20 boats took part in the race. After going through several areas of the water body, the race ended at Raninagar point, under Sujanagar upazila. Thousands of villagers observed the race.
Sujanagar upazila Fishery Officer, Mahabubur Rahman, chaired the discussion while Sujanagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Saiful Islam, spoke as the chief guest. Among others, Upazila Agriculture Officer, Rahmatullah Sarkar; Major (retd) Liakat Ali Khan; Ahmedpur UP Chairman, Jalal Uddin and Raninagar UP Chairman, A.B.M. Toufique spoke on the occasion.
The speakers stressed the need to enhance fish farming as Bangladesh is a riverine country. Boat race used to be a popular rural sport. However, with the passage of time the water sources are drying up so this tradition is on the verge of becoming extinct, they expressed.
Stressing the need to enhance fish farming, the speakers said that thanks to the huge number of rivers, canals, lakes, beel and haor in our country, Bangladesh has never seen a shortage in fish. However, irrational fishing practices are becoming prevalent. Catching of fries should be stopped.
The speakers reiterated that Gaznar Beel is one of the largest water bodies in the district and is in urgent need of conservation.