The early history of Shariar Vita Express remains largely unknown even to local elders. They recall that while there were boats before, none were of inter-district caliber. The recognized lineage begins around 1994, marking the origin of what would become New Shariar Vita Express. At that time, local paddlers would sometimes borrow boats from other regions and still gain championship recognition.One of the most revered figures in this history was the late Noor Uddin Mia, affectionately known as the ‘Sun Child’ of Shariar Vita history. Under his guidance, a boat was purchased at the Satbaria fair for the Kushtia region, named “Sonar Bangla”—the golden history began.
In 1996, at a grand boat racing event on the Buriganga River in Dhaka, Sonar Bangla won its first championship under the leadership of Major (Ret.) Bir Muktijoddha Liaqat Ali Khan, earning a television set as the top prize.The following year, 1997, at Kalukhali in Kushtia, Sonar Bangla again emerged victorious in the finals against a 110-foot-long Akhri Hamla boat from Nazirganj Hasampur. As the top prize, a bull was awarded—unfortunately, the boat capsized in a storm on the Padma River, and the bull died.
In 1998, a major race by the Padma River at Sujanagar saw Sonar Bangla compete against another boat, Shaplar Mukhosh, ultimately winning the championship and receiving a small golden boat as the prize. Later, Sonar Bangla was controversially runner-up against Satbaria Hirar Tari, but achieved multiple championships thereafter.Fast forward to 2015, with the arrival of Mohammad Tapan Sheikh’s Shariar Vita Express. This boat won multiple first prizes—from Hasampur and Goalbari to more—and even claimed runner-up titles at other local fairs. However, due to internal disputes, it was sold off at the Chatmohar fair.
In 2017, Mohammad Mofiz Uddin Mia’s Shariar Vita Express won first prize at the Shahjadpur Upazila fair from Jamitir Char.Today, both Shariar Vita Express and New Shariar Vita Express operate under Rezaul Karim Mia. While the original Shariar Vita Express may no longer be used in competitions, it remains in good condition.
Notably, Shariar Vita’s history includes its very first boat being built atop a house by a skilled craftsman (mistri). New Shariar Vita Express defeated Bagchi Challenger at the Pabna fair, won runner-up at Santhia fair, placed third at Karamja Bera fair, and controversially boycotted the semi-final at Baghbari Tank Race due to unfair committee practices. Rezaul Karim—owner of the boat—said, “This year, we are eagerly awaiting the boat race at Baghabari Port. The villagers are currently preparing the Shariar Vita Express. It is being painted now, and once that’s finished, we will put it into the lake for practice.”
