SYLHET: Banglalink, one of the leading mobile-phone operators in the country, sponsored the 7th Sylhet Divisional Boat Race at Chadni Ghat near Keen Bridge of the river Shurma on Sunday.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith was present at the event as chief guest, said a press release.
Sylhet City Corporation Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury and high official of the mobile operator were among present on the occasion, it added.
The news release added that the event was organized in line with a series of boating events Banglalink had been promoting as a symbol of Bangladeshi tradition and culture.
Rivers form an integral part of Bangladesh’s history, tradition, literature, culture and sports. Boat race consequently, is an important element of the country’s folk culture.
To encourage boat racing nationwide, Bangladesh Rowing Federation was formed in 1974. Among the many locally organized boat races, Sylhet Boat Race is often considered as one of the biggest races in history of Sylhet division.
Bangladesh boat races are usually held during the Bengali months of Bhadra and Ashwin. During racing, the boatmen sing songs in chorus seeking God's blessings.
The boats are named attractively, proclaiming their speed or design, for example, the Jharer Pakhi (bird of the storm), Pangkhiraj (the king of birds), simoom (desert storm), Tufan Mail, Mayur Pankhi, Agradoot (pioneer), Dipraj and Sonar Tari (golden boat).
The boats placed 1st to 3rd will participate in the National Championship to be held in Dhaka. So, it will create a new level of enthusiasm among the rowers and local communities.
Addressing the event, Solaiman Alam, Marketing Director of from Banglalink said, “We have organized a number of boat racing events in all divisions this year. This is because we recognize the boat as the symbol of all that Bangladeshi culture and tradition stands for.”
Banglalink is proud to be involved with the promotion and encouragement of this favorite sport, he added.
Audience from all age, class and religion came to enjoy the event.
BDST: 2056 HRS, AUG 17, 2014
