TDS Desk:

Set against the backdrop of three mighty rivers– the Teesta, Jamuna and Brahmaputra– Balashi Ghat in Gaibandha is fast becoming a popular destination for nature lovers and casual travellers alike.

Spanning a 64-kilometre embankment, the area holds immense potential to transform into a major open-air tourist hub, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and rustic tranquillity.

Stretching across four upazilas, the embankment’s long line of cement boulders glistens under the sun.

On one side lies the vast expanse of river and sandy char lands, while the other is adorned with lush green farmland and scattered rural settlements.

Though already frequented by local visitors, especially on weekends, the area still lacks basic amenities such as seating arrangements, which limits its full potential as a tourist destination.

The embankment, part of the Brahmaputra River bank protection project, is just 6 kilometres from Gaibandha district town.

Green grass has been planted along both sides of the dam, and infrastructure including a well-designed guest house, a truck terminal and other buildings have been developed at Balashi Ghat by BIWTA.

Professor Zahurul Kaiyum, a researcher of the Liberation War and a cultural activist, said, “The chars of Gaibandha and the newly built embankments around Balashi Ghat have immense tourism potential. From horse carts and country boats to river patrol police…everything adds to its rustic charm. On clear days, India’s Garo Hills are visible from here.”

The ghat is a hive of activity during monsoon when the riverbanks disappear beneath the rising waters. Boats ferry goods and passengers to destinations like Chilmari, Roumari, Rajibpur, Kurigram, Gangachara in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Sanandabari in Jamalpur, Islampur and Bahadurabad Ghat.

From here, goods also travel to Dhaka, Tangail and other parts of the country.

During Eid, Puja, New Year and other holidays, the area buzzes with visitors.

Some embark on river cruises, others explore the chars to experience rural life up close. The changing seasonal moods of the rivers — calm and cool in winter, powerful and majestic during monsoon– add to the location’s allure.

The riverside becomes a vibrant social gathering space, as people enjoy the cool breeze and open landscapes.

Apart from Balashi, several other ghats, including Fulchhari, Syedpur, Kamarjani, Sripur and Porar Char,  offer further possibilities for tourism.

Visitors can even stay overnight at NGO lodgings in the chars for a more immersive experience.

Habibur Rahman, former chairman of Fulchhari Upazila Parishad, shared, “You can get to Balashi Ghat from Gaibandha town for just Tk 20 by hiring an auto-rickshaw. The cost of a fresh river fish curry meal is minimal and the hospitality of the char people is unforgettable.”

Once barren sandbars have now become fertile grounds brimming with crops such as paddy, jute, maize, mustard, peanuts, sesame, tomatoes, aubergines, pumpkins, chillies and cauliflowers. During monsoon, the same areas remain submerged, cutting off access for locals and visitors alike.

With targeted development, the area could thrive as a vibrant tourist zone. There is scope to introduce viewing decks, swings, speedboat rides, floating restaurants, riverside resorts, hotels and motels.

Importantly, the presence of a river police outpost ensures safety for visitors exploring the region.

“Balashi Ghat is a heritage site,” said Gaibandha Deputy Commissioner Chowdhury Moazzem Ahmed.

“The government and Water Development Board have taken commendable steps for its development and we are committed to providing all necessary support,” he added.

The combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and strategic location suggests that, with proper investment and planning, Balashi Ghat could become a year-round attraction, bringing jobs and revenue to one of the country’s most erosion-prone regions.