Photo : BSS

SUNAMGANJ, 28 Sept, 2025 (BSS) - Sunamganj has become one of the top tourism destinations in Bangladesh, where wetlands, rivers, and hills converge. Visitors from across the country are drawn to its breathtaking moonlit nights and unique biodiversity.

During the monsoon, the vast Tanguar Haor transforms into a shimmering inland sea. Clusters of hijal and koroch trees stand like green islands, with the hills of Meghalaya rising in the distance and clouds casting moving shadows over the water. 

At night, the reflection of the moon on the crystal-clear water creates an almost surreal atmosphere. The hijal and koroch trees stand like green islands, making the scene even more special.

One night under the moonlit sky of Tanguar Haor is enough to wash away all the weariness of city life, say many visitors. 

Tanguar Haor, located 40 km from Sunamganj town, turns into a huge, sparkling water body that looks like a sea. It covers 12,655 hectares and includes 109 water bodies, with 54 being major ones. Canals, streams, and swamps join together, creating the look of an endless ocean. 

The area has 88 villages that look like small islands during the monsoon. The hills of Meghalaya in India add beauty, and 38 waterfalls flow into the haor.

Tourism in Sunamganj has grown a lot with the use of houseboats. About 200 registered houseboats and 200 smaller boats now operate in Tanguar Haor. 

Tourists can explore the haor during the day, stop at Tekerghat in the evening, and stay overnight on the boats to enjoy the peaceful night views. Two-day trips cost between Tk 4,000 and 12,000 per person, including food and visits to beautiful spots. Some houseboats now have air-conditioning for extra comfort.

Arafat Rahman, head of the Houseboat Owners' Association, said, "We offer fun water games for kids and focus on safety. Our goal is to make every visitor happy."

To keep the haor safe and clean, the local administration has set specific water routes for boats. Tourists can hire smaller boats to visit other areas. Popular places include the watchtower, koroch tree groves, and Niladri Lake, where people love taking photos of the sunset.

Getting to Sunamganj is easy. You can take luxury buses from Dhaka or ride the Mohanganj Express or Haor Express trains to Mohanganj. From there, CNG three-wheelers take you to Piprakanda, where you can hop on a trawler or houseboat. You can also travel through Sylhet by plane or bus.

A few years ago, finding a place to stay in Sunamganj was tough. Now, things are much better. Old guesthouses have been fixed up, and new hotels and resorts have opened. The three-star Hotel Peace Palace has rooms from Tk 4,000 to 10,000, and the ten-story Hotel Grand Sunamganj offers nice rooms and dining options.

Sunamganj is also rich in culture and history. Visitors love seeing the house of mystic poet Hasan Raja in Lakkhanasree, the birthplace of Vaishnav poet Radharaman Dutta in Jagannathpur, and the shrine of Baul singer Shah Abdul Karim in Dirai. Old zamindar houses in Gaurarang, Doholia, Sukhaoir, Holholia, and Bhatipara are also popular for their historical charm.

Dr. Mohammad Elias Mia, Sunamganj's Deputy Commissioner said, "We want to grow tourism but also protect Tanguar Haor's nature and animals. Everyone must help keep the environment safe for tourism to continue."

Sunamganj, once known mainly for farming and fishing, is now a growing tourism hub. Visitors from Bangladesh and even other countries are coming to this beautiful district, bringing new jobs and opportunities for the future.