Eid vacationers flock to historic Sonargaon

During the extended holidays of the holy Eid-ul-Azha, a festive spirit has spread across Sonargaon in Narayanganj, once the capital of ancient Bengal. Forgetting the hustle and bustle of modern mechanical life, millions of tourists have flocked to the scenic and historic sites to share the joy of Eid. From the second day of Eid, Friday, and continuing through Saturday, an overwhelming crowd of visitors has been observed at various recreational centers including the Sonargaon Folk Art and Craft Museum, Panam Nagar, and the Taj Mahal of Bengal.

Due to its close proximity to the capital city Dhaka, this historic Sonargaon is the first choice for many to visit with family and friends for a short getaway. The entire area is enveloped in a festive atmosphere throughout the day, with people of all ages—men, women, children, and teenagers—strolling about.

The largest crowds are seen at the Bangladesh Folk Art and Craft Foundation and the historic Panam Nagar. Additionally, a significant presence of visitors is noticeable at the Taj Mahal of Bengal, the shrine of Gias Uddin Azam Shah, the ashram of Loknath Brahmachari, Kaikkaartek Bridge, Olipur Bridge, and the Baidyarbazar ghat on the Meghna River.

Limon Dewan, a resident of Munshiganj who came to Panam Nagar with his family for Eid, shared his joy saying, "Because it's close to Dhaka, I brought my entire family to Sonargaon. The historical structures here are very fascinating. We are having a wonderful time together."

Meanwhile, another visitor named Sheikh Farid, who came with his children to the Folk Art and Craft Foundation, commented, "There is so much to learn about history and culture here. That's why I brought my children, so they can learn about our country's heritage."

Although many have not had the chance to see the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, they are fulfilling that wish by visiting the 'Taj Mahal of Bengal' built in Rupganj, Narayanganj. Rowshan Mia, a visitor there, said, "I never had the opportunity to see the Taj Mahal in Agra. So I came with my family to see Bengal's Taj Mahal. The place is truly beautiful and fascinating."

Regarding this, Ahsan Ullah Monir, the founder of the Taj Mahal of Bengal and a film director, said that like every year, a huge number of visitors have come during Eid. He stated that the structure was built so that ordinary people of the country could see an architectural replica of the Agra Taj Mahal.

Sakhawat Hossain from the Bangladesh Folk Art and Craft Foundation informed that the number of visitors this Eid has far exceeded expectations. Besides tourists from various parts of the country, foreign visitors are also flocking to enjoy the museum's heritage and beauty. To ensure the overall safety of visitors, along with Ansar and police, Tourist Police have also been deployed.

Asif Al Jinat, the Executive Officer of Sonargaon Upazila, noting the ever-increasing number of tourists at Sonargaon's tourism centers, said, "Additional law enforcement forces have been deployed to ensure the movement and overall security of visitors during the Eid holidays."