Sylhet or Rajnagar, originally Srihatta, city in north-eastern
Bangladesh on the Surma River northeast of Dhaka. Sylhet, nestled in the
picturesque Surma Valley amidst scenic tea plantations and lush green tropical
forests, greater Sylhet is a prime attraction for all tourists visiting
Bangladesh. I had the opportunity to visit my birthplace on August 1999,
where I spent my 5 short weeks in this beautiful city.
My home is situated in the quiet suburb of Khasdorbir,
meaning “Great Saint” (as I understand), and located near to Dhorga or
Dhorga-Gate. Sylhet boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1303, when the
great saint Hazrat Shah Jalal brought the religion of Islam to the region.
His path originally goes back to Baghdad (Iraq) which was a focal point
of Islamic thought and intellect at the time. The shrine of Hazrat Shah
Jalal is one of the most popular place for visitors and countryman alike.
One of the most enduring memories of Sylhet has been the greenery &
lush green vegetation encompassing Sylhet.
The City is also famous for its world renowned tea, grown
in local tea plantations throughout Sylhet and its neighbouring districts.
Midway through my short break, I visited Jaflong, on the border of India
and Bangladesh. The views were just breath taking - miles of rolling stones
amidst mountainous ranges. In between flows beautiful clear rivers, posts
in the middle demarcating India & Bangladesh. Other major attractions
I visited had been Parajatan and Madobkundo, which boast one of the highest
free-flowing waterfalls in Asia. Towards the end of my stay (4th Week),
I visited Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh.
