Sunamganj District
Sunamganj is one of the major haor-covered districts located in the Sylhet division of northeastern Bangladesh. It is known for the unique beauty of the hills and haors, with Tanguar Haor and Jadukata River being among its notable tourist attractions. Sunamganj is also famous for its folk music.
District Overview
Sunamganj is a northeastern district of Sylhet Division, Bangladesh, famous for its haors, rivers and natural beauty. It was recognized as a full-fledged district in 1984. Its area is about 3,669.58 sq km and the Surma River flows through the district. Sunamganj is a paradise of natural beauty surrounded by haors, of which Tanguar Haor is one.
Detailed information about Sunamganj district is given below:
- Geographical location and boundaries: The district is bordered by Khasia and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya state of India to the north, Habiganj and Kishoreganj to the south, Sylhet district to the east and Netrokona district to the west.
- Upazilas: Sunamganj district has 11 upazilas: 1. Sunamganj Sadar, 2. Chhatak, 3. Jagannathpur, 4. Jamalganj, 5. Tahirpur, 6. Bishwambharpur, 7. Doarabazar, 8. South Sunamganj (Shantiganj), 9. Dirai, 10. Shalla and 11. Dharmapasha.
- Natural Beauty and Tourism: This district is famous for its haors. The main tourist attractions are—
- Tanguar Haor: One of the most beautiful haors included in the Ramsar site.
- Jadukata River: A river of clear water.
- Barek Tila: Located on the banks of the Jadukata River.
- Shimul Bagan: Located in Tahirpur Upazila.
- Hakaluki Haor: A vast wetland.
- Economy: Sunamganj is mainly an agricultural and fishing-dependent region, but it is well known for its limestone and sand business in Chhatak Upazila. Paddy (boro) is the main crop of the haors.
- Culture and Heritage: This district is associated with the memory of Baul Emperor Shah Abdul Karim. Also, this region is the birthplace or workplace of famous saints and lyricists like Radharman Dutta and Hason Raja.
- Historical monuments: The ruins of the palace of Raja Bijoy Singh of Tahirpur Upazila (16th century), the Selbarash Jame Mosque of Dharmapasha and the Kalibari of Sukhair are notable.
Being surrounded by haors, the main means of communication here during the rainy season is by boat. It is also one of the major fish producing districts of the country.