Every day, tourists from different parts of the country come to Manigaon Shimul Garden in Tahirpur upazila of Sunamganj to see the bright Shimul flowers in the summer and the greenery in the monsoons.
Tourists and people across the country throng the garden during Pahela Falgun and Valentine's Day to enjoy the beauty of spring.
Shimul Bagan is located in Tahirpur upazila, 28km away from the district town. One has to enjoy the beauty of Shimul by walking on the wide sandy area.
This year, out of 3,000 Shimul trees in the garden, 2,000 trees have blossomed. Again, the beauty of the green leaves of the trees captivate the tourists during the rainy season.
Lutfar went to Shimul Bagan with his friends from Dhaka. He said: “I have seen many videos of this garden. We all came together after planning with friends. It's great to be here. On one side is the Jadukata River while this garden is on its banks.”
Late Zainal Abedin, a tree lover of Sohala village in the upazila, built this garden 25 years ago by planting 3,000 Shimul saplings on 100 acres of land. In 2012, the first Shimul blossomed in the garden. Gradually, the beauty of this garden spread through various means.
However, the place does not have developed communication system or enough facilities for tourists. Zainal Abedin's son Rakhab Uddin looks after the garden now.
He said: “Initiatives have been taken to increase facilities for tourists. Besides, various rides will be prepared for children's sports. Rest house will be built next to the garden, and other facilities will be increased.”
This year, more than 300 Shimul saplings have been planted in the garden, said the owner of the garden.
Deputy Commissioner of Sunamganj Didare Alam Mohammad Maksud Chowdhury said that initiatives have been taken to develop tourism industry in Sunamganj. Various steps have been taken including establishment of resorts in tourist centres, and development of communication system.