Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Feb 22, 2026 (BSS)- Raninagar upazila of Naogaon district is rich in the cultivation of pati grass, the main raw materials for mat-making, and rice. 

Although the upazila is steeped in history and heritage, it long lacked any recreational facilities. There was no open space where families could spend leisure time during festivals. 

In response to this need, toward the end of 2024 the then Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohaimena Sharmin, with the overall cooperation of the then Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Awal, took the initiative to develop the Ratan Dara connecting canal of Raktdah Beel, located in the historic Hatirpul area along the Raninagar-Abadpukur regional road, into a recreational center.
 
Subsequently, the entire Ratan Dara canal was declared a fish sanctuary. 

Using the large trees on both sides of the canal as a key attraction, the Raktdah Beel tourism area and Bird Village were developed.

During every festival, thousands of nature-loving tourists visit this recreational center with their families in search of pure, nature-based entertainment. In the monsoon season, too, thousands of visitors from different parts of the country flock to Raktdah Beel to enjoy its water scenery.
 
Later, the current UNO Rakibul Hasan undertook various initiatives to make the Bird Village more sustainable and attractive.
 
The most eye-catching of these is the construction of a hanging bridge on both sides of the canal to facilitate movement.

To increase the presence of birds, various bird-friendly and environmentally friendly tree species have already been planted in the area. 

High-capacity automated CCTV cameras have also been installed to prevent fish theft from the sanctuary and to ensure the security of the Bird Village.
 
Ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, various infrastructural elements of the tourism area are being painted in vibrant colors.

In particular, construction of the hanging bridge is progressing at a rapid pace.
Those concerned believe that this unique hanging bridge will provide a new kind of inspiration for visitors to the Bird Village.
 
In addition, new shops have sprung up around the Bird Village, creating employment opportunities for more than a hundred unemployed people. The influx of tourists has further energized the local economy.
 
Tourist Mamunur Rashid Talukdar from Kundugram village in Adamdighi upazila of Bogura said that there is no alternative to this Bird Village for spending some quiet time with family in close contact with nature.
 
The continuous development of the Bird Village will one day attract not only domestic tourists but also foreign visitors, and that the hanging bridge in particular will multiply tourists' interest in the area, he added.
 
He expressed hope that visitors will enjoy even more recreation here during the upcoming Eid.
 
Local shopkeeper Shafiqul Islam said that the Bird Village has created new employment opportunities in the Hatirpul area.
 
Tourists visit the Bird Village every day, while during the two Eids and other festivals thousands of visitors arrive. The Bird Village has changed the fortunes of local residents and hoped that modernization and overall development activities would continue in the future, he noted.
 
UNO Rakibul Hasan said Bangladesh is a very beautiful country, and if ideas are beautiful, every place can become beautiful. "Despite being a prosperous upazila, Raninagar had no recreational facilities. To fill this gap, he has been striving to fully implement the initiatives taken by his predecessors with the overall support of the district administration," he continued.
 
He added that the Bird Village was created with the aim of providing a healthy recreational center for families to spend time in nature away from mechanical daily life, and for future generations.
 
He expressed hope that the Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam would formally inaugurate the hanging bridge before the upcoming Ramadan.
 
He further said that construction has already been completed on several attractive, umbrella-covered seating areas for tourists along the main road, allocated by former Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Awal.

Initiatives have also been taken to build an open stage for events, public toilets, and lighting up to the hanging bridge, all of which will be implemented soon.
 
It is expected that before the upcoming Eid, the hanging bridge, painting, and other infrastructural works will be completed.

This Eid, visitors to the Bird Village will experience a uniquely beautiful and pleasant environment. The officer also said that development and modernization of the Raktdah Beel tourism area and Bird Village will continue in the future.