Boat race in Buriganga marks PM Hasina's birthday

A boat race was held in the Buriganga river on Tuesday, marking the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russel inaugurated the “Nouka Baich,” organized by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), at Barishur Launchghat in Keraniganj on Tuesday afternoon.

A cultural function and a laser show were also held along the riverbank.

BIWTA organized a boat race in Buriganga River on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, marking the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina | Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka TribuneEleven teams participated in the boat race from Kamrangirchar Dhora ghat to Jamal School Ghat.

Sheikh Bari Sheikh Russel bagged the first prize in the 60-person boat event while Barishal Boating Club secured the first position in the 12-person boat event.

Addressing the participants, State Minister Russel said: “We should be aware of river pollution and river grabbing and we are thinking about how can the boat race can be expanded across the country for saving rivers.”

The 75th birthday of Prime Minister Hasina was observed across the country on Tuesday.

BIWTA organized a boat race in Buriganga River on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, marking the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina | Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka TribuneThe eldest among the five children of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, Hasina was born at Tungipara in Gopalganj on September 28, 1947.

The ruling Awami League and its affiliated organisations celebrated the day through various programs, highlighting her life and achievements.

Different programs, including discussions, special prayers and photo exhibitions, were also organized across the country to observe the day.