KHULNA, Jan 01, 2022 (BSS) - The 14th traditional boat race, popularly

known as 'Nouka Baich' competition-2022 was held in the Rupsha river of
divisional city Khulna today (Saturday) with much enthusiasm and festivity.

   The boat race began from No.1 Custom Ghat area in the city at around 1pm
and ended at Khanjahan Ali Bridge area at Rupsha upazila of the district at
around 3pm.

   Khulna Nagar Samajik o Sangskritic Kendra (KNSSK) in cooperation with
Khulna District Administration organized the competition.

   The boat race was sponsored by Biscuit Brand Fantastic, a sister concern
group of Akij Bakers Ltd.

   A total of 12 boats from different upazilas in Khulna and from Satkhira,
Gopalganj, Narail and Madaripur took part in the race, said Sheikh
Ashrafuzzaman, advisor of Nagar Samajik o Sangskritic Kendra.

   Thousands of people, including women and children from different districts
thronged both the banks of the river Rupsha to enjoy the boat race.

   Chaired by Khulna deputy commissioner Md Moniruzzaman Talukder, Mayor of
Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Talukder Abdul Khaleque addressed as chief
guest while Khulna divisional commissioner Md Ismail Hossain, KMP
Commissioner Masudur Rahman Bhuiyan, Superintendent of Khulna district police
Mahbub Hossain, chief marketing officer of Akij Bakers Ltd Shafiqul Islam
Tusher, advisor of Nagar Samajik O Sangskritik Kendra Md Ashrafuzzaman,
president and secretary of the Nagor Samazik O Sankskritic Kendro, Molla
Maruf Rashid and Moniruzzaman Rahim, among others, spoke during the
inauguration ceremony.

   Sundarban Tiger of Koyra upazila obtained first position in large group
while Tiger boat of Magura and Bhai Bhai Jolpori Nouka of Terokhada secured
second and third position. In the small group boat race Ria Nouka Baich Dal,
Kopotakxa Tufa and Kopataxa Pankhiraj of Khulna obtained first, second and
third position respectively. KCC Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque distributed
prizes among the winners.

   A colourful procession was brought out in the city on the occasion where
people from all walks of life attended.

   Later, a cultural program was held adjacent to the Khanjahan Ali Bridge
area.

   Tight security measures were taken in the boat race area and vehicles
movement were controlled by traffic police from Gallamari to Rupsha Bridge
area via Batiaghata and Rupsha Ferry Ghat area to Labonchara area.