A two-day traditional boat race at Bahalbaria Beel in Kumarkhali upazila was suspended midway on its final day on Monday following chaotic scenes when rowers repeatedly boarded rival boats.
The incident occurred at around 5:30pm in Barek Moar area under Nandalalpur Union.
Organised on the initiative of expatriates living in Italy, the competition began on Sunday and featured 11 teams from Kushtia and adjoining areas competing in colourful dinghy boats.
Thousands of spectators from near and far gathered along the banks of the beel, cheering, clapping, taking photos and videos on mobile phones, and enjoying the rhythm of oars accompanied by the sound of traditional drums and gongs.
A rural fair was also set up on the banks, where traders laid out stalls selling local food, toys, and various goods, drawing massive crowds.
Tension mounted during the competition when rowers from several boats climbed onto other competing boats.
As this occurred multiple times, excitement turned into unrest among the rowers and spread to the spectators gathered on the shore. Considering the situation, the organising committee called off the event before the invited guests could arrive.
The committee had announced a castrated goat as the prize for each of the first, second, and third-placed teams.
Delowar Hossain, an organiser and expatriate in Italy, said the event was arranged to keep local youth away from drugs and provide entertainment for villagers.
He added that although the race was suspended due to unavoidable reasons, it would be organised again at a later date.
Meanwhile, Jamal Uddin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kumarkhali Police Station, said he was unaware of the incident. “I am not aware of this matter. I can inform after knowing,” he said.
