Magura, November 1, (V7N) – Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said Sunday that the ministry is working to promote traditional festivals and folk culture from different regions of the country, including traditional boat races, on a wider scale.
"Traditional festivals and sports like boat races should be promoted more widely among people across the country. Such events help present folk culture and heritage to the younger generation while strengthening social harmony, goodwill and mutual bonds," he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a programme as the chief guest at a traditional boat race festival organised on the Madhumati River in Mohammadpur upazila of the district on Saturday afternoon.
He said it is important to engage the younger generation in traditional sports, culture and healthy entertainment. Sports and cultural activities could play an important role in keeping young people away from harmful addictions, including drug addiction and online gambling, he added. Therefore, more traditional sports events and folk festivals should be organised at the local level, the minister continued.
Nitai Roy Chowdhury said boat races are deeply connected with the culture and lifestyle of riverine Bangladesh. Such traditions, passed down through generations, are an important part of the country's cultural identity, he added. He stressed the need for active public participation alongside government initiatives to preserve and develop these traditions.
Mohammadpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Bedabati Mistry presided over the programme. Magura Superintendent of Police Mollah Azad Hossain, Madhumati Boat Race Festival Committee President and former convenor of Mohammadpur Upazila BNP Principal Maimur Ali Mridha, members of the upazila administration and law enforcement agencies, local BNP and its affiliated bodies' leaders and people from different walks of life were also present, among others.
The boat race created a festive atmosphere on both banks of the Madhumati River, drawing a large number of spectators. Many people also came from distant areas to enjoy the traditional competition.
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