A newly formed sandbar in the Madhumati River at Jalalabad in Sadar upazila of Gopalganj has become a hotspot for tourists and nature enthusiasts.
The receding river waters have revealed a vast expanse of sand, creating a unique recreational space. Every afternoon, thousands of visitors of all ages gather along the riverbank and on the sandbar, which has earned the nickname “Mini Cox’s Bazar” due to its striking resemblance to the popular resort town.
Recent photographs of the sandbar have gone viral on social media, attracting tourists not only from Gopalganj but also from neighboring districts, including Narail, Bagerhat, Magura, and Faridpur.
One of the main draws is the dramatic tidal phenomenon. During high tide, the sandbar disappears beneath the water, only to re-emerge during low tide as a vast white sandy island, offering a mesmerizing view for nearly two hours each day.
Visitors enjoy a range of activities—from football and cricket to picnics, music, selfies, and boat rides. Boat tours around the sandbar are available for Tk 50–100 per person, enhancing the visitor experience.
The influx of tourists has spurred local economic activity. Temporary stalls selling snacks such as jhalmuri, fuchka, chotpoti, and belpuri, as well as children’s toys, have sprung up along the riverbank. Local boat operators and vendors are also benefiting from the growing tourism.
Chanchal Mahmud from Mallikpur village in Narail expressed his excitement: “I came here at my daughter’s request. The sandbar surrounded by clear water is truly mesmerizing—it feels like a sea beach. I plan to visit again with my whole family.”
Residents and businesspeople in the area have urged authorities to develop the sandbar into a well-planned tourist destination. They believe it could become a landmark for Gopalganj’s economy and tourism sector.
Gopalganj Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Koushik Ahmed emphasized safety measures, saying, “With the large number of daily visitors and the risks posed by tidal changes, the administration has intensified monitoring. Our aim is to ensure visitors enjoy the sandbar safely and in an orderly environment.”