Children should not be immersed in gaming and applications: Palak

For the first time in the country, the results of the traditional boat races were determined with the help of CCTV cameras and drones. The final result of Chalanbil Boating Festival-2023 has been determined through technology. State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak announced the results after analyzing the data on Friday evening.

Among the 14 big boats in the competition, the Swapner Tori won a 165 cc Runner motorcycle winning the first place in a neck to neck fight. The ICT State Minister and Deputy Commissioner handed over the keys of the bicycle to the Swapner Tori team members who participated from Shahjadpur.

The Banglar Bagh, another team from Shahjadpur, won the Double Door Walton Freeze as the second prize. Shapla Express from Sirajganj, which took the third place, also won the same Brand fridge. And the fourth prize was a 32 inch Walton Smart Television won by the New Uranta Balaka.

34 boats from various districts including Natore, Pabna, Sirajganj participated in the 4th Chalanbil Boat Race held on Atrai River at Singra Ferry Ghat in Natore. Courtesy Awards were given to each team by Zunaid Ahmed Palak. Apart from the race, the live boat made of hyacinth and polythene bags caught everyone's attention in the boat decoration competition.

State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak said while speaking as the Chief Guest that, this initiative will continue regularly to introduce children to their own roots and traditions. He said that our children should not only be immersed in gaming and applications through digital media; they should feel lively in and with the elements of nature like Rivers, canals, birds and animals. That's why we do boating festival, education festival, employment festival and cultural festival in Chalonbil area. Our only purpose is to make our children a progressive generation with healthy bodies and beautiful minds.

Through today's boat race it is proved that we will reach the peak of success by the year 2041.But we will not forget the roots. With our innovative, creative and progressive mindset, we will build Bangabandhu's progressive Sonar Bangla.'

Municipal Mayor Md. Jannatul Ferdous presided over the award distribution ceremony and MP Tariqul Islam, Deputy Commissioner Abu Naser Bhuiyan, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmuda Khatun, OC Mizanur Rahman and others were also present.

18 small and medium boats from different upazilas of Natore including Singra participated in this two-stage competition. The main attraction of this boat festival was in the second phase i.e. in the afternoon. Where the competitors of the boat race came from various areas including Natore, Baghabari, Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, Ullapara and Pabna. The second stage of the boat race was held with a total of 16 big boats. Beautiful boats decorated in various colors and various decorations started a frenzy in the river Atrai. Seeing which thousands of visitors rejoiced. At this time, thousands of people gathered on both sides of the river to enjoy the boat race.