Visit Sylhet’s Sunamganj District

With both the Surma and Kushiyara Rivers running through it, the Sunamganj District is located in the picturesque Sylhet Division of Bangladesh. The Sylhet District lies to the east of Sunamganj, with Netrokona District to the west, and Habiganj District to the South, while its northern boundary forms part of the border between Bangladesh and India. In addition to the two rivers flowing through Sunamganj, it has many wetlands ecosystems, referred to as beels and haors, which are essential to the district’s incredible biodiversity.

In a prominently Islamic area it is not surprising to find many mosques throughout Sumanganj. It is estimated that the district is home to more than 3,500 mosques, as well as over 700 temples and 61 churches. The name of the district is said to come from Sipahi Sunamuddin, a trader who started a bazaar on the banks of the Surma River many generations ago. Prior to 1303 and the conquest of the Sylhet Division by Muslims under the spiritual direction of Hazrat Shah Jalal – a prominent Sufi Muslim – Sunamganj had formed part of the Rarh Kingdom, along with part of Sylhet, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Netrokona and part of Mymensingh. Following this conquest, the entire district was administered from the settlement at Shaharpara in the Sumanganj District.

The history of Sunamganj reveals that the district was part of the state of Moazzamabad between 1300 CE and 1765 CE. The state of Moazzamabad was independent until being conquered by the Mughal of Delhi in 1612, with Sunamganj being included in that conquest. A significant number of activists from Sunamganj were part of the anti-British movement during the 1922-1923 Nankar Rebellion of Sukhair, with the leftist movement becoming influential throughout the district after the 1947 partition of Bengal. There were also encounters reported on between freedom fighters and the Pakistani army in Sumanganj. In December 1971 the Pakistani army surrendered to Indian forces, and on January 11, 1972, the name Bangladesh was adopted for the new independent country.

As part of the rice and tea-growing region of Sylhet, Sunamganj is well-watered and lush. The wetlands attract a wide range of bird species and other animals, while its ancient history and culture make it a fascinating place to explore. Tranquil rural life and age-old hospitality can be found in the Sunamganj District of Bangladesh.