Moinot Ghat: The Mini Cox’s Bazar

Everyone aspires to visit popular tourist destinations in pursuit of mental peace, but busy schedules and heavy workloads often occupy them. Many people are worried about various aspects of traveling, such as time constraints, budget, and finding a good travel companion. You may have already explored all the tourist attractions in Dhaka. You might lack enough time and funds to travel far, but you still need a beautiful and relaxing environment to recharge yourself. 

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To experience the waves of the Padma River and enjoy a boat trip, you can take a short trip to Moinot Ghat, located in Dohar Upazila of c. Visitors will be captivated by the stunning, towering waves. Strolling along the shore of the beautiful river and watching the boats sway with the waves will make you feel like you are at Cox’s Bazar beach rather than in Dohar, Dhaka. This is why many people refer to it as ‘Mini Cox's Bazar.’

Moinot Ghat, being relatively unknown, is often unnoticed by many nature enthusiasts who miss out on the beauty of this location. If you visit early in the morning, you will witness a bustling market filled with various species of fish, including Hilsa. You can even purchase fish at bargain prices here.

The rainy season is the ideal time to experience the beauty of Moinot Ghat. Watching the sunset while sitting on the bank of the Padma River is truly breathtaking. Visitors can see numerous sailboats of different colors floating on the water. On holidays, local people from neighboring districts often take to the river in speedboats or trawlers. Tourists travel from far and wide to enjoy the scenery. However, apart from visiting the beach, you can also explore attractions like Judge Bari, Ukil Bari, Khelaram Kotha, and many other tourist spots in Nawabganj.

What is the rent of speed boat, trawler or small boat?

Anyone wishing to take a speedboat from Moinot Ghat to Charbhadrasan Upazila in Faridpur will need to pay BDT 160. Each speedboat can accommodate a maximum of 10–12 adult passengers. The journey takes about 16 to 17 minutes, but if the Padma River has strong waves, it may take more than 20 minutes. According to boatmen, if you wish to reserve a boat for a 20-minute ride on the river, the fare is BDT 2,000, while a 10-minute reservation costs BDT 1,000. Splitting the rental cost among passengers is often more cost-effective. For those interested in renting a trawler to explore the Padma River, the cost ranges from BDT 500 to 1,000. Do not forget to negotiate the boat rental prices. Additionally, if you prefer a small-engine boat for an hour, the charge will be between BDT 300 and 600. The fare may vary depending on the time and situation, so it is advisable to consult with local people and bargain to fix the fare.

How to go there?

The distance from Dhaka to Moinot Ghat is approximately 61 kilometers. The most convenient way to reach Moinot Ghat in Dohar from Dhaka is by taking a direct bus from Jamuna Paribahan, which departs from Golap Shah Mazar in Gulistan. The ticket price is BDT 90, and the journey takes about two to two and a half hours. For the return trip, you can take the same bus back to Dhaka. If you prefer to travel by private car or motorbike, you can follow the bus route, which makes the journey easier. Using your own vehicle is advisable, or you can consider renting a car with friends to explore Moinot Ghat and the surrounding areas of Nawabganj. The last bus from Moinot Ghat to Dhaka departs at 6:30 PM.

Where to stay?

For visitors, there are hardly any accommodation facilities near Moinot Ghat. Neither the government nor individuals have taken any initiative to provide shelters for tourists for overnight stays. Therefore, unless you can persuade a local resident to let you stay, you will need to head back before sunset.

Where to eat?

A visit to Moinot Ghat is incomplete without trying Hilsa fish. Sitting by the banks of the Padma River, most people taste Hilsa fish freshly caught from the river. Moinot Ghat has several restaurants, with notable ones owned by Atahar Chowdhury and Julhash Bhuiyan. There are also some fast-food shops, the oldest being Shikdar Fast Food located in Kartikpur. Besides the Dhaka Hotel, a few other places serve rice dishes. Do not miss the opportunity to taste the traditional sweets available in Kartikpur. These sweets are so popular that many people even send them abroad. Notable sweet shops include Ranjit Mistanno Bhandar, Niranjan Mistanno Bhandar, and Muslim Sweets.

Additional caution:

This place is so beautiful, and the river is so vast that one might feel tempted to take a bath in it. However, if you do not know how to swim, it is best to avoid going deep into the river. Be aware of the environment by not polluting it with cigarette butts, food packets, water bottles, or any other trash. It is your responsibility to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, refrain yourself from hunting any species of birds. During the rainy season, the waves can become quite strong, so exercise caution. Avoid going deep into the river in a small boat, and if you do not know how to swim, never go on a boat trip without a life jacket. Always wear a life jacket when using a speedboat as well. When you embark on a boat trip, focus on enjoying the beauty of nature without causing any disturbances. 

Ambar Shah Mosque: A Mughal Era Mosque in Karwan Bazar

The Ambar Shah Mosque, nearly 350 years old, is located in the Karwan Bazar area of the capital city, Dhaka. This historical structure is gradually disappearing from the sight of city dwellers. However, the name of this historical establishment is intertwined with the history of Karwan Bazar. This mosque is considered the heritage of Karwan Bazar and has been identified by historians as the oldest structure in this area. During the Mughal era, travelers used to visit the local caravanserai for rest, and many of them would offer prayers at this mosque. The mosque is also known as Khwaja Ambar’s Mosque and Amber Shah (RA) Shahi Jame Masjid. 

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The architectural design of this mosque is quite attractive. Its main feature is the mihrab, which is made of black stone. Though the original mosque is small in size, its beauty draws the attention of worshippers. The main building of the Ambar Shah Mosque is adorned with three domes, which add to the beauty of the structure’s exterior. These have enhanced the exterior beauty of the establishment. Due to various renovations over time, many aspects of the mosque have changed. Along with expanding its range, the original structure of the mosque is now not directly visible due to the surrounding buildings. It ranks 22^nd on the list of the oldest mosques in Dhaka. Analysts say that this establishment is of great importance in exploring the roots of Bengali’s thousand-year history and heritage.

This single-story mosque building with three domes is very beautiful to look at. The old mosque building is located on approximately five kathas of land. Due to the increase in the number of worshippers, a new mosque building has been constructed beside the old one. Prayers are offered in both places.

This mosque is a Mughal architectural structure. According to historical records, the year of construction of this mosque is 1680 AD. The builder was Khwaja Ambar, who was the chief Khwaja of Subahdar Shaista Khan, the governor of the Bengal province. The mosque has two stone inscriptions. Quranic verses are written on the first stone inscription, which is placed above the central mihrab. The year of construction is written on the second inscription, which is placed on the exterior above the central entrance. Black stones brought from Rajmahal in India were used in this mosque.

The architectural style of the mosque is very attractive and artistic. This three-domed mosque is situated across the western half of a raised platform about 12 feet above the ground. At the top of this base platform is a row of closed lotus-petal designs. There are four huge side towers at the four corners of the mosque.

The octagonal-shaped towers are slightly higher than the base platform, and at the top of each tower, there are small domes. At the eastern end, by crossing a staircase, you can reach a portico with a stone-framed arched gateway. There was a well dug by Khwaja Ambar on the right side of the staircase path, but it has now been filled with soil. To the east of the base platform is Khwaja Ambar’s graveyard. Initially, only a stone-made tombstone was visible here, but now a structure has been built on top of it using bricks. 

Bhisti: A lost profession

Nowadays, whenever we get thirsty on trains, buses, roads, or restaurants, we get in our hands a sealed cold or normal water bottle. However, we did not have a fridge a few decades ago.

A question may arise: “Did not people drink cold water then?”

Yes, of course, they would.

Even though there was no fridge at that time, there was bhisti. 

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A ‘Bhisti’ is a kind of bag that looks like a sack. This special bag made of goat skin is also called ‘Mashaq’. If you keep water in it, it will remain as cold as a refrigerator. Those who used to deliver water with a bag from house to house are known as ‘Bhisti,’ which means water bearer.

There is a connection between history and the water bag bearers. There is a saying that once Mughal ruler Humayun was drowning in water. Then, a water bearer saved him. He even swam to the shore holding the water bag. As a token of gratitude, Humayun sat the water bearer on his throne for a day.

In Dhaka and Kolkata, in undivided India, these water bearers used to work distributing water.

In this over-smart era, which exists merely in smartphones, today’s generation may not know about water bearers.

‘Bhisti’ is the corruption of the Persian word ‘Behesta,’ which means heaven. In the western and central parts of the world, images of rivers and gardens have been found in most of the images of heaven.

It is said that water bearers would bring water from the river of heaven and distribute it among people. So, they also used to be called angels of heaven.

Once they had exclusive access to heaven.

In the early hours of the morning, coming out on the street and opening the door, we would see the water bearers.

These people of the Muslim community used to go out with leather bags filled with water on their shoulders.

Once, there was the use of water bearers in Delhi too.

However, Mustakim Tea Stall outside Jama Masjid is still able to keep this ancient method alive.

If you go to the tea stall, you will see long bags made of goat skin hanging. For ages, water bearers have been living in Sakke Wali Gali in old Delhi. 

Lalakhal: A river of various colors of water

Lalakhal is situated in Jaintapur Upazila, which is 35 kilometers away from Sylhet city. To be more specific, one will find Lalakhal to be situated just below Cherrapunji Hills in India. This river, which originated from Cherrapunji Hills, flows through Bangladesh. 

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This place is perfect for experiencing nature from very close. Dense green forests on the hills, river, tea gardens, and various species of trees are all over Lalakhal. If you can go on a full moon, the beautiful scene of the river shining with moonlight will leave a lasting impression on your mind. There are numerous bends in the Lalakhal River. Each bend is beautiful to look at. Looking at the mountain range, one would feel like God had beautifully placed them one after another with his own hands. Upon going closer, one will see the clouds around the hills as if they are resting on the slopes. Sometimes they float through the mountains and disappear into the distance.

The part of Lalakhal near Tamabil road is called the Shari River. The most attractive thing about this canal is the water of different colors. The water in each part of the canal has different colors, such as blue, green and clear.

You can go to Lalakhal by a traditional boat or a speedboat on the clear water of the Shari River. After the end of a 45-minute journey, you will reach the factory gorge of Lalakhal tea garden. At this time, you will find the river’s water awe-inspiring. What a beautiful blue color; the bottom of the river is seen.

There is no accommodation for tourists in the Lalakhal area, and it is quite far from Sylhet city. In the evening, there are no boats on the river. So, the tour or sightseeing has to be completed by the evening. The best option is to hire a boat and then travel. The moment before the evening around Lalakhal is never-to-be-forgotten.

If you want to go to Lalakhal then you will have to go to Sarighat by microbus, leguna, or Jaflong-bound bus from in front of Bongobir Osmani Shishu Uddan, which is on the south side of Dhopa Dighi. That is why, you will have to cross a 35-kilometer road. On the way back from here, you can return to Sylhet city by bus or by any vehicle of your choice, including Leguna.

Where will you stay?

If you want, you can spend the night on the bank of Lalakhal. The resort named Northern Resort has its own transport system. Another accommodation arrangement very close to Lalakhal is Nazimgarh Resort, which is located in Khadimnagar. It is better to contact them before going there. Otherwise, you may not get any empty rooms. In Nazimgarh Resort, there are three types of accommodation facilities. It has a large terrace, a small bungalow, and a big villa. The rent for each room is different, but modern amenities are on par with those at a five-star hotel. It has a spa and pool where you can remove fatigue from your body. The most important thing is that each installation is near hillocks that are covered in trees. If you extend your hand while sitting on the balcony of the villa, terrace, or bungalow, you can touch the greenery. The cost of staying at Nazimgarh Resort may seem a little higher than the usual hotels and cottages. The cheapest ‘Premium’ room for one night will cost around Tk 7,000, and the rent for the Presidential Suit is around Tk 15,000. A maximum of three people can stay in one room, but no fare will be charged for children under the age of eight. You will get breakfast for two people with this fare.

Apart from this, you can spend the night in Sylhet city and travel around Lalakhal in one day. Or, the afternoon excursion can be combined with either Bichnakandi or Jaflong. Since it is quite far from Sylhet city, there are no boats on the river in the evening. So, you will have to complete your travel by evening. It is best to travel by renting a boat.

Expenditure:

The rent for a microbus from Sylhet city to only Lalakhal will be between Tk 2,000 and Tk 3,000. If you rent a private car then the rent will be between Tk 1,500 and Tk 2,000. If it is the plan for the whole day then you will have to travel from Sylhet in the morning. Besides, you can go to Sarighat by bus or leguna between Tk 40 and Tk 60. There, the fare for the engine-run boat is from Tk 800-Tk 1,500, and if you want to go by speedboat, the rent can be from Tk 1,500 to Tk 2,000. The boat has at least 15-20 seating arrangements. The rent is the same.

AroundMeBD: Changing the name from Shimulia to YouTube Village

A YouTube channel named AroundMeBD is engaged in highlighting its village in the world arena by distributing traditional rural cuisine to the villagers free of cost.

A teacher named Delwar Hossain has been able to establish such a precedent in the remote village of Mollapara of Shimulia union, which is under Khoksha upazila of Kushtia district. 

He has been continuing his ceaseless efforts to highlight his village in the world arena through his YouTube channel, AroundMeBD. So far, subscribers to this channel are around 4.29 million. This village is becoming developed through the activities of this YouTube channel. The living standards of rural people have changed. Work opportunities for women, jobless, and aged people have been created in the village. Now, this village is widely recognized as “YouTube Village” instead of Mollapara of Shimulia.

In June 2016, Liton Ali and school teacher Delwar Hossain jointly started a YouTube channel named AroundMeBD. Now, this channel is so popular that its subscribers have increased to about 4.29 million.

In the beginning, all the rural cuisine, arranging a picnic with the children in a rural environment, and the fishing scene in the canal were captured, and the videos were shown on the AroundMeBD channel. These video clips were sent to Dhaka through a mobile phone memory card, where nephew Liton Ali uploaded them to the YouTube channel. This channel has become successful. Now, video of it is no longer captured by mobile phones. A camera and a cameraman have been assigned for this. The cooking video of the rural women is also shown on this channel.

They have more YouTube channels apart from AroundMeBD. Intending to create employment opportunities for the unemployed youths, they have created another channel called "Creative Voice," where jobless youths of that village work. They capture videos of various commodities made from bamboo and wood and upload them on their channel.

The downtrodden people of the village have aspirations but no sufficient buying capacity. Considering their limitations, they are conducting another channel named Fortunate Guest. Every day, some young people of the village visit the houses of the poor people as guests. They remain in close touch with him. They cook it for them to eat together after deciding what they want to eat and purchasing it from the market. Passing moments with that family were captured on video and uploaded to the YouTube channel Fortunate Guest.

The cuisine of three aged people is shown on a YouTube channel named "Village Grandpa's Cooking." Three people aged more than 70 years of age cook, and that cuisine is distributed among the autistic, sick, and helpless old people. After that, they capture videos from cooking to distributing and upload them on the channel.

Besides, they show how a woman from the village catches fish through another channel called ‘The Fishing Lady.’

"AroundMeBD," "Creative Boys Crafts," "Village Grandpa's Cooking," and "The Fishing Lady" channels are conducted by Liton Ali and school teacher Delwar Hossain. Liton resides in Dhaka city. Every channel's video is recorded and conducted by Delwar Hossain, a school teacher who lives in the village.

In an interview, Delwar Hossain told Banglanews24.com that four years back, his nephew Liton discussed with him in Dhaka the possibility of highlighting the village culture of culturally enriched Kushtia in the world arena through his YouTube channel. Later on, we thought we would do videos of cooking with rural people. That cooked food will be fed to the rural people. We started our activities in this way. We opened a YouTube channel named AroundMeBD and uploaded cooking videos there. After that, we did not look back. Now we have five YouTube channels.

He said one channel conducts one type of activity. All are rural-based. We have 45 paid employees who perform this work. Among them, 14 women are engaged in cooking, whose salary range is Tk 2500 to Tk 3000. We spend 8 lakh taka every month. At least we cook 20 days a month. Per day, cooking is arranged for a minimum of 400 rural people, after which rural people eat for free. All are arranged at our own expense. Depending on the variety, it costs Tk 30,000 to 40,000 per day. What we earn from the channel, we spend that money for the betterment of the rural people and to help sick and burnt-affected people.

He said, “In the beginning, many people used to look at this work with crooked eyes and make bad comments. But now the villagers inspire us. We all work together happily.”

Talking to the villagers, it is known that the village has been developed through these activities. In addition to the employment of about half a hundred people, the village people can eat good food every day. 

Local dweller Chayen Ali told Banglanews24.com that when people from all over the world see the people of our village through YouTube, it feels very good. Every afternoon, a festive mood prevails here, which you will not find in any village.

Thanks to the YouTube channel ‘AroundMeBD,’ the people of this village can eat their full meal once a day. Happy are those people who go back to their destination after eating all kinds of delicious food items.