A traditional boat race was held on the Ichamati River in Kolakopa, Nawabganj, Dhaka, on August 21, 2026, bringing together nine ghasi boats and four kosha boats. The event was organized by the Kolakopa Boat Race Organizing Committee and managed by the National Committee for the Protection of Boat Race Heritage. Dhaka-1 MP Khandakar Abu Ashfaq attended as chief guest and called for organized races at all former points along the river.

The race created a festive atmosphere on the riverbanks, with local residents and visitors from surrounding areas watching the boats move to the rhythm of their oars. Organizers said the competition is an integral part of Bengal’s long-standing rural culture. Member secretary Nazrul Islam said people traveled from distant places as well as nearby communities to enjoy the event.

Organizers said boat races once took place at about 30 points on the Ichamati in Nawabganj, but declining water flow has put the tradition at risk. Rashim Molla, general secretary of the heritage committee, called for a sluice gate at the Sonabaju-Kashiyakhali embankment near the river’s origin. He said restoring navigability and natural water flow could support boat racing and revive the river and nearby settlements.