Ratargul Swamp forest

A swamp is a wetland that is forested. Many swamps occur along large rivers, where they are critically dependent upon natural water level fluctuations. Other swamps occur on the shores of large lakes. Some swamps have Hammock (ecology), or dry-land protrusions, covered by Aquatic vegetation, or vegetation that tolerates periodical inundation. The water of a swamp may be Fresh water, Brackish water or Seawater. Some of the world’s largest swamps are found along major rivers such as the Amazon, the Mississippi, and the Congo.

Ratargul is a fresh water swamp forest situated in Sylhet by the river of Goain. Freshwater swamp forests, or flooded forests, are forests which are inundated with freshwater, either permanently or seasonally. The water comes here from the adjacent Goain River. 

This evergreen forest is getting submerged under 20 to 30 feet water in some part during rainy season. It’s a good source of different local fish. It’s the habitat of different snakes, monkeys, lizards, insects & birds. You would have seen vulture & Eagle if you are lucky. Some part the forest gets so narrow that you can’t go by boat. You will get the flavor of Amazon forest here.

Anyone can reach Sylhet by bus, train or by Plane. Dhaka to Sylhet by bus will take around 6 hours. Sylhet Ambarkhana point to Goainghat bazaar by CNG 300-400 tk, 1.5 hours. Goainghat boat stand to Ratargul Bit office by big boat 800 tk, 1.5 hours. Bit office to Ratargul forest by small boat 200-300 tk.

Ratargul forest to Motorghat 20 minuets and finally Motorghat to Ambarkhana ghat by CNG 60 tk/person, 1 hour.

You can return from the swamp forest and stay at any hotel in Sylhet Town....

MOSQUES OF BANGLADESH

First, a brief description on the status of Islam in Bangladesh

Islam is the largest religion of Bangladesh, the Muslim population is over 130 million (the third-largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia and Pakistan), and constitute nearly 88% of the total population, based on the 2001 Census.

Religion has always been a strong part of identity, but this has varied at different times. A survey in late 2003 confirmed that religion is the first choice by a citizen for self-identification.

Islam is the official religion of The People's Republic, as stated in the Constitution of Article 2A. Islam arrived to the region of Bengal since the 13th century, mainly by the arrivals of Arab traders. One matter we Bangladeshis take great pride in is we are 3rd largest Muslim community in the world and perhaps the only one in the world surrounded on all sides by non-Muslim countries, yet Allah has guided us as our people had accepted Islam without any war. Bangladesh is a living proof that Islam was spread through knowledge not sword- a land of over 130 million Muslims!

Historic Naya Dighi mosque

Chhoto Shona Mosque: Jewel of Chapai Nababganj

Grand feast for eyes. A masterpiece of architecture. 13th century mosque has simplistic design and weight of history. Time has written its scribble in black on on its sand stone bricks. A jewel in North west of Bangladesh.

60 Dome Mosque, Bagerhat

Baitul Mukarram is the main mosque of Dhaka, the capital and largest city of Bangladesh. The city's population exceeds 10 million people.

Baitul Aman Masjid in Barisal city

 

Sitara Masjid in Old Dhaka

A small mosque in Mohammedpur area of Dhaka. The mosque is known as Satmasjid. "Sat" in Bengali means seven, the masjid called Satmasjid because of its seven domes.

Handicrafts of Sylhet

Sylhet is well known for its wide variety of exquisite handicrafts. Well-known Sylhet cane products such as chair, table, tea trays, flower vases, bags and the exquisitely designed fine Sital Pati (a kind of mattress having natural cooling effect) are colorful souvenirs.

Star Mosque

A very beautiful mosque of the city is situated at Mahuttuly on Abul Khairat Rd; just west of Armanitola Govt. High School. Architecturally faultless (Mughal style) is a five-dome mosque with hundreds of big and small twinkling stars as surface decorations. The stars have been created by setting pieces of chinaware on white cement. Seen from the front and from far it looks as if shining above the surface of the earth. The inside of it is even more beautiful that the outside, lovely mosaic floor and excellent tiles with many floral patterns set on the walls, are all in complete harmony.

 

The sitara Masjid was built originally with three domes in early 18th century by Mirza Ghulam Pir, a highly respectable Zamindar of Dhaka.