People and Culture
Shapla Bill in Dinajpur: A Floral Paradise Drawing Tourists
The tranquil village of Khiyarmamudpur in Birampur, Dinajpur, is home to a breathtaking expanse known as Shapla Bill. Spread over 600 bighas, this vast wetland has turned into a floral wonderland where countless white water lilies blanket the surface, resembling a bed of flowers stretching to the horizon.
Every day, hundreds of visitors arrive from distant places to enjoy boat rides, take photographs, and soak in the serene beauty. Some even purchase fresh fish—such as koi, magur, taki, and puti—directly from local fishermen who thrive on the wetland’s natural bounty.
The bill itself has two distinct sections: the western part called Amrul Bill and the eastern part Katla Bill, both named after local aquatic weeds. In the middle lies an island-like plain where fishermen rest under tin sheds after a long day’s catch.
Local life is deeply intertwined with this natural attraction. Ten-year-old Murad, a fifth-grader, rows boats for tourists before and after school, earning between 100 and 300 taka per trip. For him and many others, the Shapla Bill is both a source of livelihood and pride.
Yet concerns linger. Visitors plucking flowers threaten the fragile beauty of the wetland. Local authorities plan to launch awareness campaigns and even impose fines to preserve the site.
For first-time visitors, like Nasrin Akter, the sight is mesmerizing: “It feels like walking into a floral carpet. The view soothes the soul.” What was once a quiet village bill is now a growing tourist attraction, celebrated widely on social media.
Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist , along with other detainees, has been released by . A Turkish Airlines flight carrying Alam has already departed for , according to a statement issued by the on Friday (October 10).
The statement added that the flight is expected to land in Istanbul at around 2:30 p.m. local time.
Bangladesh’s Consul General in Istanbul, , welcomed Shahidul Alam upon his arrival at the airport.
Chief Adviser expressed his gratitude to Turkish President for his support in securing Alam’s release and repatriation from Israel.
People from all walks of life paid tribute to world-renowned artist S M Sultan on his 31st death anniversary on Friday (10 October) in Narail.
The commemoration took place at the Sultan Complex, where floral wreaths were placed at the artist’s grave by the S M Sultan Foundation, Narail District Administration, Sultan Memorial Museum, District Shilpakala Academy, and Narail Press Club, among others.
Senior officials including Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akter Jahan, Superintendent of Police Md Rabiul Islam, and other government representatives joined cultural leaders and local residents in honoring the late artist.
Earlier in the morning, a Qur’an recitation was held at Sultan’s residence, followed by a children’s art competition, an exhibition, prize-giving ceremony, and discussion session at Shishuswargo, an art center established in his memory.
Born on 10 August 1924 in Machimdia village of Narail, Sultan’s paintings were exhibited in Shimla, Lahore, Karachi, New York, Boston, Michigan, London, Dhaka, and Germany.
Throughout his career, he received numerous honors, including the Ekushey Padak (1982), Independence Award (1993), Resident Artist recognition (1984), and Bangladesh Fine Arts Honor (1986).
The celebrated artist, known for his secular humanist ideals, passed away on 10 October 1994 at the Combined Military Hospital in Jashore after a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest in the courtyard of his home in Narail.
People and Culture
Bangladeshi Teen Sudipta Debnath Nominated for International Children’s Peace Prize 2025
Fifteen-year-old social activist Sudipta Debnath from Satkhira, Bangladesh, has been nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2025. The nomination comes in recognition of his work on child protection, climate justice, and educational empowerment.
The prize is awarded annually by the KidsRights Foundation, a Netherlands-based organization that honors children worldwide who advocate for child rights.
For the past three years, Sudipta has been working in Bangladesh’s coastal regions to combat child marriage, child labor, and school dropout. His awareness campaigns—both online and offline—have helped prevent multiple child marriages and encouraged many families to prioritize education.
Through webinars, social media campaigns, and community workshops, Sudipta has reached thousands with messages about child safety, digital security, and the right to education.
A recent graduate of Satkhira Government High School, Sudipta is now studying in grade 11 at Satkhira Government College. He is the son of Jamini Kumar Debnath and Sejuti Debnath of Masterpara, Satkhira town.
Expressing his feelings, Sudipta said, “I’m truly honored to be nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Working for children inspires me, and I wish to expand my efforts even further in the future.
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