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 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.

A traditional lathi khela (stick-fighting) event was held on Friday (October 17) at Pathra Kindergarten School ground in Maheshpur upazila of Jhenaidah, drawing a large crowd of enthusiastic spectators.

The event was organized to revive the fading rural heritage of Bangladesh. The game was conducted by Shawkat Hossain and led by Md. Shahidul Islam, with around 20 local participants including Odu Islam, Isa Hossain, Atiar Rahman, Mosharraf Hossain, Idris Ali, Ratan, and Ahad.

The entire field echoed with cheers and applause as spectators enjoyed the traditional display. Organizers said their goal was to keep this centuries-old sport alive and inspire younger generations to embrace rural traditions.

Spectator Matiar Rahman said, “Lathi khela used to be very popular here once, but it’s rarely seen now. Watching it today brings back old memories.”

Team leader Shawkat Hossain added, “We are proud to carry on the legacy of our forefathers. As long as we can, we’ll keep this game alive.”

Organizers expressed hope that such events would continue regularly to preserve and celebrate Bangladesh’s rural cultural heritage.