Beach Carnival 2025 wraps up

The three-day 'Annual Sports Competition & Beach Carnival 2025' recently concluded in Cox's Bazar. According to the organisers, the event was driven by a firm commitment to ensuring child protection, preventing gender-based violence (GBV), and empowering adolescent girls through sports. Organised by JAAGO Foundation Trust in collaboration with UNICEF Bangladesh under the 'Shopner Sharothi - Sea Shore Girls' project, the festival commenced on December 15 at the Hotel Seagull premises and concluded on December 17, 2025.

The first day of the festival featured an art competition on child rights and gender equality, a puppet show, and a cultural performance by the local band 'Penoa'. On the second day, special tributes were paid on the occasion of Victory Day, alongside awareness activities focused on gender protection, social safety, and child protection. The highlight of the day was the Final Heat of the surfing competition for the project trainees. Anjuman Akter, a trainee of the project, emerged as the winner. The day also featured an interactive drama on violence prevention, a magic show delivering child safety messages, and a cultural program. 

The final day began with a youth talent show, where participants showcased their creativity and confidence through music, dance, poetry, and comedy. This was followed by an educational puppet show by the 'Inventors Puppet' team focused on child rights and safety. In the afternoon, a special panel discussion titled 'Sports for Development' was held, where representatives from the government,  UNICEF Bangladesh, and JAAGO Foundation Trust discussed the importance of sports in child development, tourism promotion, and community empowerment. The festival concluded with an award ceremony for the surfing champions and top youth performers, followed by a cultural finale featuring local and invited artists.