A group of people identifying themselves as “Tawhidi Janata” have demanded cancellation of a boat race scheduled for August 28 on the Sunai River in Beanibazar upazila of Sylhet.
Local youths of Lauta union have been organising the annual competition for several years, attracting participants from Beanibazar and neighbouring upazilas.
The demand has created tension in the area, with two groups emerging for and against the event.
The “Tawhidi Janata Lauta Union” held a meeting at Barigram Bazar Mosque on Thursday, calling for public support to stop the competition.
Former Lauta Union Parishad Chairman Gaus Uddin said the situation was becoming tense and efforts were being made to bring the two sides together on Friday to resolve the issue.
Current chairman Delwar Hussain also confirmed that two groups have emerged over the boat race.