White lotus flowers have transformed Kalijug Beel in Pirganj into a picturesque natural attraction, drawing thousands of visitors from different parts of the country.
The wetland, located in Kalijug village of Jabarhat Union, about 13 kilometres south of Pirganj upazila town of Thakurgaon, is now covered with blooming lotuses.
The sight is particularly striking in the early morning and late afternoon, when the white flowers sway gently in the breeze against the tranquil backdrop of the wetland.
Visitors start arriving early in the morning, with families, friends and groups gathering to enjoy the scenery and take photographs. A wooden footbridge is currently the only access route into the lotus-covered area.
Local residents said the naturally formed lotus wetland has become one of the area's most popular attractions. They, however, urged visitors to protect the environment and refrain from damaging or plucking the flowers.
Shahana Parvin, who came from Dinajpur while visiting relatives in Ranisankail, said she decided to visit the site after hearing about it.
“Having boats to take visitors around the beel would make the experience even better,” she said.
School student Nigar said she had heard about Kalijug Beel only a few days earlier and persuaded her parents to take her there.
“I was happy to see so many lotus flowers, but I felt bad when I saw some people plucking them,” she said.
Nafisa, who visited the beel with two friends from Bangladesh University of Professionals in Dhaka, said they were fascinated to see a lotus wetland after reading about such places in books and magazines.
She suggested developing the area in a planned manner by introducing boating facilities, restaurants, washrooms and better transport links.
“With proper planning and basic facilities, this place could attract many more tourists,” she said.
Chan Bania, a resident of Kalijug village, said visitors arrive at the beel every day from distant areas.
“Our homes are located just west of the beel. Many visitors enter our houses without permission, which makes us uncomfortable,” he said.
Pirganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Nazmul Hasan said lotus is an aquatic plant that spreads naturally.
“Lotus seeds can be carried by birds and fall into wetlands, from where new plants grow and gradually spread,” he said.
He added that Kalijug Porabeel is now extensively covered with lotus flowers and has emerged as a tourist attraction.
Professor Abu Bakkar Siddique, former principal of Thakurgaon Government Women's College, said lotus flowers have several medicinal properties.
He said the flower was once common in Bangladesh's wetlands but has become increasingly rare as many wetlands and water bodies have been filled or degraded.
“Steps should be taken to expand lotus growth and conserve the flower considering its importance,” he said.
Pirganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Golam Rabbani Sardar said the naturally grown white lotuses had added a unique dimension to the area's natural beauty.
“It is truly pleasing to see people coming here from different places,” he said.
He urged visitors to enjoy the beauty without damaging the environment or plucking the flowers.
The local administration, in coordination with the union parishad, will maintain necessary monitoring to protect the area and preserve the wetland, he added.