Boat races to revive rural Bengal’s heritage, harmony: Moyeen Khan

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan said on Tuesday that traditional boat races can play an important role in reviving the bonds of unity, harmony and joy among people.

He made the remarks while addressing the Traditional Boat Race 2026 event at Joshor Bazar in Shibpur upazila of Narsingdi as the chief guest.

The minister said that alongside the country’s physical development, importance must be given to the physical and mental development of young and working-age people.

He stressed the need to expand sports and cultural activities, saying sports can help build a healthy and disciplined nation.

Boat racing has long been a tradition of rural Bengal, he said, recalling the joy he experienced as a child watching boat races on the Buriganga River in Dhaka.

“Due to changing times and social complexities, much of that joy has been lost. I hope this traditional event will bring back that joy and strengthen mutual harmony among people,” he said.

Moyeen Khan said the country must move towards a beautiful, traditional and normal way of life free from political complexities and vengeance.

He called on everyone to contribute to Bangladesh’s revival alongside their studies, politics and activities for the welfare of the people.

Thanking the BNP leaders and activists of Shibpur and Raipura involved in organising the boat race, the local government minister stressed the need to continue such events in the future.

Narsingdi-1 MP Khairul Kabir Khokon inaugurated the boat race, while Narsingdi-3 MP Manzur Elahi chaired the event. The minister later visited the boat race.