On Sunday August 24th, Network Bangla took part in the first-ever Nowka Bais, organised by the Oxford Bangladeshi Boat Club, at Folley Bridge, Oxford.

The extraordinary event, which had support from a whole host of organisations including Network Bangla, involved twelve different teams from all over the country, pitting their wits against each other along the River Thames in Oxford. Each team competed in 'nowkas' - traditional Bangladeshi boats - which had been specially imported from Bangladesh, just for the landmark occasion.

It was the first ever time Network Bangla had competed in a boat race (and the first time many of the Network Bangla team members had ever been rowing), so competing against the more-experienced teams was always going to be difficult. Despite this however, the Network Bangla team gave it their all and even though the team didn't reach the final, the organisation certainly made their colourful presence felt.

The Network Bangla team (L-R) - Naz, Ahsan, Zubair, Mooktakim, Rubel, Rahib, Kamal, Jabed and Koyes - dressed in Network Bangla t-shirts, Bangladeshi bandannas, and green traditional 'longhis'.

After an exhilarating race and thoroughly exciting finale, the eventual winners - Whitney - were given an opportunity to raise the Olympic flag, with the event ending in a brilliant cultural show, held at the nearby Donnington Hall. Network Bangla even made their mark then, with some hilarious impromptu performances up on stage. All in all, August ended up being an outstanding month for Network Bangla, with the organisation consolidating their already brilliant reputation. With so many events and projects planned for the future, Network Bangla will undoubtedly build upon their excellent and unparalleled achievements and by doing this, cement their position as the hottest thing around in the British Bengali market.

Click here to view Event Photos