In a quiet corner of Madhabdanga village in Bogura’s Dhunat upazila, mornings begin with the songs of thousands of birds. This four-acre home of Robiul Hasan, popularly known as “Bhutan Sarkar,” is now widely recognized as the Bird House.

Around 35 years ago, a flock of birds first perched on a tamarind tree in his yard—marking the beginning of a lasting bond. Since then, birds return every summer to nest and raise chicks, leaving again with the onset of winter.

The Bird House, surrounded by mahogany, jackfruit, mango, and bamboo trees, also has two large ponds where fish are farmed. Yet, surprisingly, the birds never touch the fish—they fetch food from distant rivers and canals for their young.

Local visitors say the site has become a symbol of environmental harmony. Every day, poets, artists, and students arrive to capture the beauty of nature through art, photography, or reflection.

Bhutan Sarkar says, “We have a silent pact with nature—this is their home as much as ours.”

Former Union Parishad Chairman Atikur Karim Apel noted, “This is the most beautiful place in Dhunat. Government support could turn it into a protected sanctuary.”

Ashamoni, president of the local NGO Teer, added, “If we save the birds, we save nature—and in doing so, we save ourselves.

A touching story of lifelong companionship unfolded in Naogaon’s Badalgachhi upazila, where a husband died just 11 hours after the passing of his wife.

Anjuara Begum, 65, died of a heart attack around 1:25 p.m. on Friday (October 24). Her husband, Jalilur Rahman Jalil, 75, collapsed in shock after hearing the news. His condition worsened throughout the evening, and he passed away around 12:25 a.m. at Naogaon Medical College Hospital while undergoing treatment.

Family sources said the couple had been married for 45 years and were inseparable throughout their lives. “My mother died suddenly, and my father simply couldn’t bear the loss,” said their younger son, Rakibul Hasan Rocky.

Locals described the couple as deeply devoted to each other, saying they were “two souls who could not live apart.” The back-to-back deaths left the entire village in mourning, marking the end of a love that truly lasted a lifetime.

A centuries-old rural tradition, the Jhapan Snake Game, was held on Thursday at Vhairaba Bazar in Bashbaria Union of Maheshpur upazila, Jhenaidah. The daylong event, featuring live performances with venomous snakes, turned the entire area into a festive sea of people.

Men, women, and children from nearby villages flocked to witness the event. Organizer Mohammad Jahangir Alam, son of late chairman Abdul Latif, said the purpose was “to preserve rural heritage and provide entertainment for local people.”

Five renowned snake charmers from across Bangladesh participated, including Liton and Sohel Ahmed from Jhenaidah, Sagor Hossain from Magura, Borshi — the only female snake charmer from Chuadanga, and Shobuj from Shailkupa. Under the direction of master Liton, the performers thrilled spectators with daring acts of snake handling and control.

Liton was declared the best performer of the day and received an award from the organizing committee.
Nazmul Huda Jintu, chairman of Bashbaria Union Parishad and chief guest at the event, said, “Such traditional events are vital to keeping today’s youth away from mobile game addiction.”

Speaking after the show, Liton said, “Through this game, we’re trying to bring back a lost part of our rural heritage.”
The vibrant Jhapan Snake Game not only entertained but also rekindled community spirit and cultural pride in Vhairaba Bazar.