Teenagers practice with Ramda and Chinese axes in the river in Bhanga

On Wednesday (September 18), a practice by teenagers and young people with country-made weapons in Kumar River of Bhanga Upazila of Faridpur created panic among the locals. From noon to evening, they practiced in at least 20 speedboats and more than fifty trawlers in an area of ​​about four kilometers of the river. During this time, videos of some speedboats displaying country-made weapons including Ramda and Chinese axes have been circulating on social media.

It has been learned from eyewitnesses that boat races have been a tradition locally for centuries. Although it has not been held for eight years, local youths still practice in the river with speedboats and trawlers every year on the last day of Bhadra month. However, this year is the first time that they have displayed weapons in their hands.

Even after the incident, the police conducted a drive at night but could not arrest or identify anyone. A video of the drive shows that the teenagers jumped into the river after sensing the police presence during the search.

There has been widespread concern among locals. Noor Sheikh, a tea seller in Bhanga Bazar, said, “I have been in panic since I saw the incident. It is difficult to say when it will happen.” Shyamal Mridha, a small trader, said, “I have never seen such a public display of weapons before.”

Locals believe that the century-old traditional boat race was once organized regularly, but it has been stopped since 2018 due to political disputes. Jagadish Malo, president of the Bhanga Puja Udjapan Parishad, said that on the day of Vishwakarma Puja, young people practice speedboats, but he was not aware of the display of weapons.

Bhanga Police Station OC Mohammad Ashraf Hossain admitted the incident and said, “The incident of the display of weapons is true, but no one has been arrested despite the raids. The search is ongoing.”