Netrakona is a wonderful blend of mountains, rivers, waterfalls and haors. This northern district, bordering Meghalaya, India, is like a canvas painted by the skillful hands of nature. From the white clay hills of Susang Durgapur to the mountain waterfalls of Kalmakanda and the vast water bodies of Khaliajuri – all together this town was supposed to become a huge mine of tourism. But due to lack of publicity, dilapidated communication system and lack of adequate infrastructure, this immense potential has not been fulfilled even today.
Rows of hills and clear water flowing around the hills is a beautiful blue land of natural beauty, Durgapur Kalmakanda Upazila of Netrakona, bordering India. Here is the only Chinese clay hill in Bangladesh. The hills that have a white pink color, the ponds of blue water, Durgapur is incomparable to experience the natural beauty of nature. The beauty of the Someshwari River will captivate your mind as soon as you set foot on the soil of Durgapur.
Netrakona tourism is mainly divided into three different forms: mountainous beauty, blue waters of the haor and historical monuments. Durgapur’s blue water and white clay hills: The porcelain hills of Bijoypur and the clear blue water of the Someshwari River at its foot are the main attractions of tourists. In 2021, this white clay of Durgapur was recognized as a geographical indication product, which further increased its branding value.
The Small Ethnic Group Cultural Academy located in Birishiri is a unique center for learning about the culture of the Garo and Hajong communities. During the monsoon, the Dingapota Haor of Mohanganj and Khaliajuri becomes a mini Cox’s Bazar. Especially the beauty of the ‘Magra’ and ‘Dhanu’ rivers captivates tourists. There are also several historical establishments here. The Sultanate-era Boyalbari Fort, the Roman Catholic Church (Ranikhong Mission) and the shrine of spiritual saint Shah Sultan Qamar Uddin Rumi (R.) have made the district a full-fledged tourist destination.
Despite its potential, the tourism sector of Netrokona is plagued by several basic problems. The condition of the roads from Netrokona Sadar to Durgapur or Kalmakanda is still not completely tourist-friendly. Many tourists are discouraged from visiting this area due to dust and broken roads. Although there are some government guest houses in Durgapur and Birishiri, there is a clear lack of good quality private hotels or resorts for ordinary tourists. In addition, there are hardly any quality food hotels near the tourist spots. Being a border area, there is a kind of uncertainty in the safety of tourists after the afternoon. Although there are rumors of the beginning of the activities of the tourist police, it has not yet reached a visible level. Plastic waste left by tourists and unplanned sand extraction from the Someshwari River are destroying the pristine nature.
According to local tourism stakeholders, if the government declares Durgapur and Kalmakanda as a ‘special tourism zone’ and develops infrastructure, it is possible to earn crores of taka in revenue annually from here. The economy of local easybike drivers and small traders is also directly dependent on this tourism.
A local small entrepreneur said, “People come from far away to see our mountains and rivers. But since there is no place to stay and good roads, they do not want to come back again.”
To make Netrokona’s tourism world-class, it is very important to establish modern resorts, uninterrupted road connectivity and a permanent unit of tourism police. By utilizing this natural resource, Netrokona can become one of the main tourist centers of Bangladesh.