Sylhet | Home

Sylhet | Home

Natural Resource

The only oil field of the country is located in Haripur of the Sylhet district, which, was discovered in 1986. Although a relatively large quantity of gas has been discovered in the county, the amount of oil discovery is very small. This is in a sharp contrast to many hydrocarbon provinces of the world where large volumes of both gas and oil co-exist. Geologists of our country are somewhat confused by this reality and most opine that exploration into even deeper sedimentary layers then those producing gas may help discover oil. The Horipur oil is discovered in sandstone layers within a subsurface fold called Sylhet Anticline which is about 13 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide; producing horizons are around 2000 meters depths and two closely spaced oil-horizons have been detected. Maximum oil reserve is estimated to be around 21 million barrels. Oil production under natural pressure was 400 barrels per day in 1987 which dropped to about 100 barrels in 1994 and since then it has remained suspended due to necessity of further development of the field. Between 1987 and 1994, a total of 0.56 million of crude oil have been produced. The quality of the Haripur oil is similar to that discovered in Assam.  Please Visit Our Site for More Information

Natural Gas of Sylhet

There are eight gas fields located in Sylhet  region. Also the first 3 gas fields of the country were discovered in this region between mid 1950s and early 60s – Sylhet gas field in 1955, Chatak in 1959 and Rashidpur in 1960. These predate the discovery of Titas gas field which is at present the largest natural gas supplier of the country. Other gas fields of the region according to their year of discovery are Koilastila 1962, Hobigonj 1963, Beanibazar 1981, Fenchugonj 1988 and Jalalabad 1989. All these reserves have been discovered in structural traps formed by mild folds (anticlines) that occur in the subsurface and have no direct surface expressions. The intensity of these folds increase west to east in the direction of the Folded Belt region; which relates to the development of grater thrust in that direction due to tectonic activity. However, the discovery gas fields are mostly located in the nearly-plan lands of along the western fringe zones of the intensively folded areas. Gas is discovered within sandstone layers of Bhuban and Bokabil formations in the subsurface, which is about 35 million years old. Sandstone act as good reservoirs because of their high porosity; however, the gas is generated in some neighboring clayey layers with high organic contents and lager migrates to the sandy units, which are sealed by impervious sedimentary layers. Impervious layers prevent further migration of the gas.  Total reserve of the gas fields of the Sylhet region is about 14 trillion cubic feet with a recoverable reserve of about 8.5 tcf. Please Visit Our Site for More Information

Mineral Resourses of Sylhet

The grater Sylhet region is the most enriched area of Bangladesh in mineral resources. A large quantity of the total proven gas reserve and the only oil field of the country are located here. The area has also vast deposit of limestone, peat, glass-sand hard- rock grave. But the economic value of hydrocarbon reserves are overwhelmingly dominant. The region is geologically known as the Surma Basin and covers the north-eastern parts of the foredeep and Folded-Belt division of the Bengal Basin which happens to be one of the most prominent tectonically-active sedimentary basins of the world. Parts of the Sylhet region which are apparently flat having are within the foredeep division while the hilly areas are called folded Belt. Thickness of the sedimentary pile with the foredeep area is in excess of 15 kilometers; the Folded Belt representing the uplifted parts of this sedimentary pile. This huge sedimentary body is dominantly composed of sand and mud with subordinated limestone which started depositing in a deep-basement (bottom of the basin being composed of igneous-metamorphic complex) basin about 5o million years ago with the gradual rise of the Himalayas due to collision between Indian and Burmese Plates and subsequent erosion. The sand-mud composition of the sedimentary body, along with technically-developed favorable structural set up (exposed and covered folds and faults mainly) have made the Sylhet region highly potential for occurrence of natural resources. Muds act as sources, sands as reservoirs, while folds (anticlines) act as traps for hydrocarbons (gas and oil). Age of the sediments, local geothermal gradient, pressure of the overburden etc. have been sufficient for the source materials to be"cooked" to from hydrocarbon.

Crude oil:

The only oil field of the country is located in Haripur of the Sylhet district, which, was discovered in 1986. Although a relatively large quantity of gas has been discovered in the county, the amount of oil discovery is very small. This is in a sharp contrast to many hydrocarbon provinces of the world where large volumes of both gas and oil co-exist. Geologists of our country are somewhat confused by this reality and most opine that exploration into even deeper sedimentary layers then those producing gas may help discover oil. The Horipur oil is discovered in sandstone layers within a subsurface fold called Sylhet Anticline which is about 13 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide; producing horizons are around 2000 meters depths and two closely spaced oil-horizons have been detected. Maximum oil reserve is estimated to be around 21 million barrels. Oil production under natural pressure was 400 barrels per day in 1987 which dropped to about 100 barrels in 1994 and since then it has remained suspended due to necessity of further development of the field. Between 1987 and 1994, a total of 0.56 million of crude oil have been produced. The quality of the Haripur oil is similar to that discovered in Assam.

Limestone:

Limestone of Eocene time are exposed on or close to the surface in the Takergaht-Lalghat areas of the north-western part of the Sylhet region along its border with the Indian state of Meghalaya. Reserve is about 30 million tons and it is the second largest discovered limestone in the country after the Jaipurhat. Preliminary reserve estimation was done in the sixties and seventies while the Geological Survey of Bangladesh in 1982 ascertained the reserve by putting 5 depths of about 30 to 100 meters below the surface, the deposit has a thickness of 152 meters and the reserve is estimated to be 17 million tons. In Lalghat and Takerghat areas limestone deposits occur at much shallow depths and their reserve are estimated to be about 10 and 2 million tons respectively. In these areas, limestone deposits are also sporadically exposed. The limestone body has brought to the surface by upliftment due to techtonic activity; most of its parts fall within the Indian Territory and Bangladesh sharply disappear under the alluvium cover in the south with a very high angle of dip. The Takerghat limestone deposit is being extracted since the Independence of Bangladesh and it’s reserve is fast diminishing. 

Coal:

Peat, Glass-sand, hard rock Gravel: about 2.5 million tons of peat reserve was discovered in the Maulvibazar area in the early fifties. The deposit occurs 1.5 meter from surface, 1.6 meter thick and extends over an area of about 10 square kilometers. Peat deposits also exist in the Pagla and Chorka areas of the Sunamgonj district, has an estimated reserve of about 3 million tons and at comparable thickness and deposits occur as modern sediments within valleys and floodplains.

Silica/Glass Sand:

Shahzibazar of the Hobigonj district has Glass-sand reserve of about 1.41 million tons which discovered in the early fifties is dominantly composed of silica (over 95%) and occur in centimeter scale lenses that appear within 1-2 meter from the surfacee.

Hard Rock:

Hard-rock gravels of up to 1 meter in diameter are found on the stream beds that drain the hilly areas of Meghalaya and fall on the flat land within Bangladesh territory along the northern parts of the Sylhet region. This is particularly prominent in Jafflong-tamabil areas where total estimated reserve is about 45.6 million cubic meters. Gravels occur both on the present streambeds and up to several meters depth. Please Visit Our Site for More Information

Travel Sylhet

Sylhet is one of the most attractive places of Bangladesh. It is known as the tea capital of Bangladesh. For miles and miles around, the visitor can see the tea gardens spread like green carpet over the plain land or on the slopping hills. A stay in one of the rest houses of the tea gardens is a fascinating one. Sylhet is also known as the land of the famous Muslim saint Hazrat Shah Jalal (RA), the great torch bearer of Islam to this region. The shrine of this great saint is located at Sylhet town. Another famous shrine of this town is the shrine of Hazrat Shah Paran (RA). You can travel some nice places of Sylhet such as Lakkatura, Jafflong, Lalakhal, Bholagonj, Madavkunda, SUST, M.C College, Lawachara Reserve Forest etc. Colorful Monipuri, Khasia and Garo tribes live in Sylhet. Monipur tribal maidens are famous for their dance. Sylhet is also well known for its wide variety of exquisite handicrafts of cane and bamboo. Sylhet is linked with Major cities  by rail, road and air. It attracts number of tourists every year. A number of good hotels and  restaurant are there for stay in Sylhet. Click Here to See Pictures

 

Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal

Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal it one of the most attractive places of Bangladesh.  Even today, more than six hundred years after the death of Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal, the shrine is visited by innumerable devotees of every caste and creed, who make the journey from far away places. Legend says, the great saint who came from Delhi to preach Islam, defeated the then Hindu Raja (king) Gour Gobinda. He transformed the witchcraft followers of the Raja into catfishes which are still alive in the tank adjacent to the shrine Swords. The holy Quran and the robes of the holy saint are still preserved in the shrine. Here you can also see the Shrine of Shah Jalal, famous Jalali Kobutar (Pigeon), Pot, Golden Climbing fish and Sheet fish, and the famous Walking fish.

Shahi Eidgah

The Shahi Eidgah is situated on a hillock at the south-easten end of Sylhet city. There are twenty steps of stairs to the Shahi Eidgah. The area is surrounded by encircling wall. The main mihrab is on the central position of Qibal wall and it is built through a half dome. The central mihrab has some other subsidiary mihrabs on either side. The wall has two octagonal corner towers with kiosk which make the structure attractive. The Eidgah has three entrances and in front of this picturesque structure there is a tank for ablution. the Shahi Eidgah was built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb in the 17th century. It is not protected building and later renovated by local people. It looks like a grade fort but is actually meant for Eid congregations, the two biggest Muslim festivals.

Temple of Sri Chaitannya Dev

About 500 years old famous temple of Sri Chaitanya Dev is located at Dhaka Dakhin about 45 km south-east from Sylhet town. The place is revered from being the ancestral home of the famous Vaishnava saint. Yearly fair is organised on the fullmoon day of the Bangla month Falgun. Hundreds and thousands of devotees from home and abroad attend this colorful fair.

Gour Gobinda Fort:

It is stayed in the middle place of the city named Chauhatta. Its called Gor Gobinda hills cause the house of King Gor Gobinda was there. Which is destroyed By Sufi Saint Hajrat Shahjalal. This is a historical place. It will cost 5- 15 Tk to go there from anywhere of the city.

Haripur Gas Field

Twenty two kilometers from Sylhet town is the Haripur Gas Field and at 35 km. point is the Jaintiapur's Rajbari. Only 5 km. from Jaintiapur is Jaflong, a scenic spot amidst tea gardens. At about 35 km. north-west of Sylhet town, linked by rail, road and river is Chhatak, the seat of Assam Bengal Cement Factory, Chhatak is famous for orange garden.

Jointapur Rajbari

Jointapur Rajbari:. Jaintiapur is only 5 km. from Jaflong. Jointapur was the capital of Jainta Kingdome at 18th century. Jainta Rajbari was the palace of Kings of Jainta, it’s just adjacent of Jainta Bazar. Though the condition of this kings palace is already damaged enormously but a huge number of tourists visit here due to the historical background of Jainta Kingdom. A lots of picnic parties goes to Jaintapur forests and also other areas of Jaflong, Sripur and Tamabil to enjoy a full day in the nature. So if you are planning to visit Jaflong you must cover up all these places at a time and by the evening you come back to Sylhet for your night stay.

Sripur:

Sripur is another beautiful tourist spot where you can see the waterfall with great tide falling form the hills. Besides the enchanting views of the area, one can also have a glimpse of the waterfalls across the border of India. Very Big stones sometimes are coming in this waterfall in Sripur. After completion of visiting Jaflong and Tamabil you must visit Sripur on the way to go back to Sylhet. It's only 7-8km from Jaflong on the same road to Sylhet a sub road entered into Sripur waterfall. Here you can see the stone collection and orange garden if you go inside Sripur crossing the hills.

Jaflong

Jaflong is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Sylhet division. It's about 60 km far from Sylhet town and takes two hours drive to reach there. Jaflong is also a scenic spot nearby amidst tea gardens and rate beauty of rolling stones from hills. It is situated besides the river Peain in the lap of Hill Khashia. The Mari river is coming from the great Himalayas of India, which bringing million tons of stone boulders with its tide. You can watch the stone collection from the river in Jaflong as well as you can enjoy the boating in the river Mari. Jaflong is totally a hilly area of real natural beauty where hills are greenish with the forests. Lots of wild animal lives in this forest, so you need to be careful to enter in the forest alone. You can see the lifestyle of Tribe Khashia in Jaflong. If you intend to visit Jaflong it is advisable to start from Sylhet in the early morning so that you can comeback by evening covering the other tourists spots of nearby areas of Jaflong. The other tourist areas nearby Jaflong are Tamabil, Sripur and Jaintapur.

Tamabil

Situated amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border outpost on Sylhet-Shilong Road about 55 km. away from Sylhet town. Besides enchanting views of the area one can also have a glimpse of the waterfalls across the border from Tamabil. Tamabil is the border area with India and is 05 km before Jaflong. If you intend to visit Shilong of India then you will have to cross this border by completing your customs formalities. To go to India you require valid Visa. Please Visit Our Site for More Information

Syed Mujtaba Ali

Syed Mujtaba Ali (19.04-1974), was a renowned Bengali author, academician, scholar and linguist. He was born in Sunamganj, Sylhet in Bangladesh.

Education and early career

In 1919, Syed Mujtaba Ali was inspired by Rabindranath Tagore and started writing to the poet. In 1921, Mujtaba joined the Indian freedom struggle and left his school in Sylhet. He went to Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan and graduated in 1926.He was the first graduate of the university. Later, he went to Kabul and worked in the education department (1927-1929). From 1929 to 1932 he studied at the universities in Berlin, London, Paris and Bonn, earning a PhD in comparative religious studies from the latter with a dissertation on the Khojas.

In 1934-1935 he studied at the Al-Azhar University in Cairo. Subsequently, he taught at colleges in Baroda (1936-1944) and Bogra (1949).

Language activism

After the Partition of India into India and Pakistan in 1947, Syed Mujtaba Ali went from India to the then East Pakistan, his motherland. He was a language activist and a supporter of Bengali as the national language of East Pakistan. In 1948, being the principal of Azizul Huq College, Bogra, he wrote an essay, 'The State Language of East Pakistan', which was printed in Chaturanga of Kolkata.

During that time, the West Pakistan Rulers tried to impose Urdu as the only state language of East Pakistan while Bengali was spoken by most of the people. The government of Pakistan wanted an explanation. Mujtaba Ali resigned and went to India.

Further career

After a brief stint at Calcutta University (1950), Mujtaba Ali became Secretary of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and editor of its Arabic journal Thaqafatul Hind. From 1952 to 1956 he worked for All India Radio at New Delhi, Cuttack and Patna. Finally, he was professor at Visva-Bharati University (1956-1964).

Final years

After the liberation of Bangladesh, Syed Mujtaba Ali returned to his native land in 1972, where he died soon after.

Linguistic abilities

Ali knew French, German, Italian, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Hindi, Sanskrit, Marathi, Gujarati, Pashtu, English and several dialects of Bengali.

Critic

In spite of being a student and follower of Rabindranath Tagore, he strictly opposed the prevalent thinking of the poet about pandits (or the rural teachers). Rabindranath had said,

"Pondo kore je, Pondit o! (A pandit is he who undoes)."
Ali's response was,

"Rabindranath did not know about the conditions of Pandits in the era of Englishmen, otherwise he would have thought about that situation."



Later, Syed Mujtaba Ali not only did criticize the great poet, but also had written a short story named Padotika, (The Asterisk), where he shows that a pandit's monthly salary was one fourth of the cost for maintaining an Englishman's pet dog.

Perhaps, the telling line in this tale is when the protagonist, (a pandit) asked for the solution to a simple math question,
"Can anyone of my students tell me, my family's eight members are equal to how many legs of the Englishman's pet?"
 

Works

Extracts from Syed Mujtaba Ali’s literary works are included in the curriculum of school level, secondary, higher secondary and graduation level Bengali Literature in both Bangladesh and India, particularly in the states of West Bengal and Tripura.

Books

Deshe Bideshe [1948]
Panchatantra [1952]
Obishashsho [1955]
Chacha Kahini [1955]
Mayurkanthi [1957]
Joley Dangay [1957]
Dhupchaya [1958]
Shabnam [1960]
Chaturanga [1960]
Sreshtho Golpo [1961]
Porosh Pathor [1962]
Bahubichitra [1962]
Bhoboghure O Onnanyo [1962]
Sreshtha Ramma Rochona [1962]
Tunimem [1964]
Duhara [1966]
Pachandashai [1967]
Shahriyar [1969]
Hitler [1970]
Kotona Asrujal [1971]
Musafir [1971]
Prem
Dandya Madhur
Tulanahina
Rajaujeer
 

Family

Syed Mujtaba Ali has two sons namely Syed Musharraf Ali, Firoz and Syed Zaghlul Ali, Kabir (Bhojuram). Syed Mujtaba Ali was married to Rabeya Khatun. His elder son has two sons (Syed Muddassir Ali, Syed Muzzammil Ali) and a daughter (Syeda Jeenatunnessa Miliya). His younger son has only one son (Syed Mashrur Ali).Syeda Zunaira Ali is the youngest member of the Mujtaba family. She is the daughter of his grand son Muddassir and will be 1 year on 13th April,2008.They all live together in Dhanmondi 1 at their own residence Prantik which was named by Mujtaba. Please Visit Our Site for More Information

Hazrat Shah Jalal

Shah Jalal was a saint of Bengal and is the most celebrated personality of the region of Sylhet, Bangladesh. Shah Jalal commands great respect of Muslims of the Indian subcontinent and is regarded as a national hero by Bangladeshis. Shah Jalal's name is associated with the Muslim conquest of Sylhet, of which he is considered to be the main figure. He lies buried at Sylhet

Early life and education

Born Shaikh Makhdum Jalal ad-Deen bin Mohammed, he was later affectionately renamed Shaikh-ul-Mashaikh Hazrat Shah Jalal al-Mujarrad (the last name meaning "the bachelor", on account of his celibacy). Shah Jalal's date and place of birth is unclear. Various traditions, folklore and hostorical documents suggest different ideas. A number of scholars claim that he was born in 1271 in Konya, Turkey, and later moved to Yemen, either as a child or adult, while others contest he was born in Yemen. He was the son of a Turkish Muslim cleric, who was a contemporary of the famous Persian poet and Sufi saint, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. He was educated and raised by his maternal uncle, Syed Ahmed Kabir, in Mecca. He excelled in his studies and became a Hafiz (one who has committed the Qur'an to memory) and was proficient in Islamic theology. He achieved Kamaliyat (spiritual perfection) after 30 years of study and meditation.

Travel to India

According to legend, his uncle, Sheikh Kabir, one day gave Shah Jalal a handful of earth (soil) and asked him to travel to Hindustan with the instruction that he should settle down at whichever place in Hindustan whose earth matched completely in smell and color to the earth he was given, and he should devote his life for the propagation and establishment of Islam there.

Shah Jalal journeyed eastward and reached India in c. 1300, where he met with many great scholars and mystics. He arrived at Ajmer, where he met the great Sufi mystic and scholar, Pir Khawaja Gharibnawaz Muinuddin Hasan Chisty, who is credited with the spread of Islam in India. In Delhi, he met with Nizam Uddin Aulia, another major Sufi mystic and scholar.

Conquest of Sylhet

Tradition goes that a Hindu king named Gaur Govinda ruled the Sylhet area, then predominantly Hindu. Sheikh Burhanuddin, a Muslim who lived in the territory under his control once sacrificed a cow to celebrate the birth of his son. A bird (kite) snatched a piece of flesh of the slaughtered cow and it fell from its beak on the house of a Brahmin Hindu, for whom cows were sacred. According to another tradition, the piece of flesh fell on the temple of the king himself, which he took as a great offence. At the order of the king, Burhanuddin's hands were said to have been cut off and his son killed. Burhanuddin went to the Sultan of Gaur, Shamsuddin Firuz Shah, to whom he submitted a prayer for justice. The Sultan accordingly sent an army under the command of his nephew Sikandar Khan Ghazi. He was, however,was stopped by rains and flood. The Sultan then ordered his Sipah Salar (armed forces chief) Nasiruddin to lead the war.

At this time, Shah Jalal (R) was requested by Nizam Uddin at the behest of sultan firoz shah to travel to Sylhet along with sikander khan gazi to rescue Sheikh Burhan Uddin. With his 360 followers, including his nephew Shah Paran, he reached Bengal and joined the Muslim army in the Sylhet campaign. Knowing that Shah Jalal was advancing towards Sylhet, Raja Gaur Govinda, the king, removed all ferry boats from the river Surma, thereby cutting off any means of crossing into Sylhet. Legend has it that Shah Jalal crossed the river Surma by sitting on a Jainamaz (prayer rug). Upon reaching the opposite bank, he ordered the Azan (call to prayer) to be sounded, at which the magnificent palace of Gaur Govinda shattered. With Shah Jalal's help, the Hindus were completely defeated and crushed by the Muslim Army.The superior fighting and combat skills helped the Muslim Army.

During the later stages of his life, Shah Jalal devoted himself to propagating Islam to the masses. Under his guidance, many thousands of Hindus and Buddhists converted to Islam. Shah Jalal become so renowned that even the world famous Ibn Battuta, whilst in Chittagong, was asked to change his plans and go to Sylhet to meet this great Awlia. On his way to Sylhet, Ibn Batuta was greeted by several of Shah Jalal (R.A)'s disciples who had come to assist him on his journey many days before he had arrived. Once in the presence of Shah Jalal (R.A), Ibn Batuta noted that Shah Jalal (R.A) was tall and lean, fair in complexion and lived by the masjed in a cave, where his only item of value was a goat from which he extracted milk, butter, and yogurt. He observed that the companions of the sheikh were foreign and known for their strength and bravery. He also mentions that many people would visit the sheikh and seek guidance. Shah Jalal (R.A) is therefore instrumental in the spread of Islam throughout north east India including Assam.

Later life

According to legend, Shah Jalal found a match to the earth his uncle once gave him, and according to his uncle's wishes, he settled down in Sylhet, near Choukidhiki. It is from here that he preached Islam and became a celebrated Muslim figure in Bengal. He and his disciples travelled and settled as far as Mymensingh and Dhaka to spread the teachings of Islam, such as Shah Paran in Sylhet, Shah Malek Yemeni in Dhaka, Syed Ahmad Kolla Shahid in Comilla, Syed Nasiruddin in the region of Pargana Taraf, Haji Daria and Shaikh Ali Yemeni. An expedition to Chittagong was lead by Khwaja Burhanuddin Qattan and Shah Badruddin. An expedition to Sunamganj was led by Shah Kamal Qattani, whose shrine is located in Shaharpara, Sunamganj.

Shah Jalal's fame extended across the Muslim world. Ibn Battuta, came to Sylhet and met with Shah Jalal (R.A). Ibn Botuta was a Moroccan Berber[1] scholar and jurisprudent from the Maliki Madhhab (a school of Fiqh, or Sunni Islamic law), and at times a Qadi or judge. However, he is best known as a traveler and explorer.The great Mughal poet, Amir Khusrau gives an account of Shah Jalal (R.A)'s conquest of Sylhet in his book "Afdalul Hawaade". Even today in Hadramaut, Yemen, Sheikh Makhdum Jalaluddin's name is established in folklore.
 

The exact date of his death is unknown, but he is reported by Ibn Battuta to have died in 746 AH (1347 A.D). He left behind no descendants, as he remained a bachelor his entire life, hence the name "al-Mujarrad" ("the unmarried"). He is buried in Sylhet in his Dargah (tomb), which is located in a neighbourhood now known as Dargah Mohalla, named for his Dargah. His shrine is a significant place of interest in Sylhet, with hundreds of devotees visiting daily. At the Dargah is also located the largest mosque in Sylhet and one of the largest in Bangladesh. Please Visit Our Site for More Information

Shah Paran (R)

Shah Paran (R) was a renowned Sufi saint of the Suhrawardiyya and Jalalia order. It is said that he was the son of a sister of Hazrat Shah Jalal (R) and was born in Hadramaut, Yemen. He was an accomplice of his uncle, Shah Jalal, with whom he arrived in India. In 1303 AD, He took part in the expedition of Sylhet which was led by Shah Jalal. After the conquest of Sylhet he established a khanqah at Khadim Nagar in Dakshingarh Pargana, about 7 km away from Sylhet town, where he started Sufi spiritual practices and activities. He played a significant role in propagating Islam and establishing Muslim rule in the Sylhet region.

It is unclear how and when he died, but he is buried near his khanqah. For centuries, large numbers of devotees have been visiting his tomb, a practice which continues even today. On the 4th, 5th and 6th day of Rabi-ul-Awal, the Urs of Hazrat Shah Paran (R) takes place. His grave is located in a high hillock and it is carefully preserved at a place which is built with bricks and surrounded by walls. On the northern side of the grave there is an old tree, the branches and branchlets of which are extended above the entire tomb. The name of the tree is 'Ashagachh' (a tree of hopes). From a close observation of the leaves of the tree, it appears that the tree has grown out of a mixture of the fig, mango and some other tree. People eat the seeds of the figs devotionally in the hope of getting rid of diseases. Mangoes are also eaten with utmost respect as Tabaruk. There is an ancient mosque by the side of the tomb. The mosque has been modernized in 1989-91. About 1500 devout Muslims in a body can now say their prayers there.

Adjacent to the main tomb complex of Shah Paran, found in the East of Sylhet, is another tomb visited by worshipers, that of Konya Shah. Legend has it that this follower of the great saints was neither man nor woman. There is a permanent exhibition of the life and times of this saint. Contemporary paintings and pictures featured at the tomb/exhibition depict a person most likely to be a eunuch. Though the original conquerors earned a prominent role in Islamic history, main stream Islam shuns the idea of worshiping saints and eunuchs.  Please Visit Our Site for More Information

Shah Abdul Karim

Shah Abdul Karim is a Bangladeshi musician. His specialized field of music is Bengali Baul music. He lives in the district of Sunamganj. He was rewarded the Ekushey Padok in the year 2001 for his songs, also received Drouhee Kotha-shahitayk Abdur Rouf Choudhury Award in 2000.

He was born in 1916 in Ujandhal, Dirai, in Sunamganj. This is one of the remote village of Bangladesh, where Abdul Karim born. Growing up with poverty, he started expressing his thoughts and emotions from very early age. Ektara, an instrument of music being his medium to express his thoughts, villager’s heart melted with his melodic and soothing voice. With so many time devoted in singing, hardly he could make time to make his way to think about livelihood or any other job than entertaining people. But he was forced to earn living hardship by harvesting. But Music never left him even with so much obstacles and poverty. As the time goes by, and as he was maturing with age, he went on taking training of spiritual and baul music from Kamal Uddin, Shadhak Rashid Uddin, Shah Ibrahim Mastan Baksh. His versatility ranged from Baul song, Spiritual song to Bhatiali. He went on learning all the exclusive modules of Baul song afterwards along with Shariatti, Marfatti, Nabuot, Belaya. The various devout form of music. He was motivated by philosophy of renowned Lalan Shah, Panju Shah and Duddu Shah

Musical works

Baul Shah Abdul Karim has written and composed as many as 1500 songs. These songs are organized in six books, like: Aftab Sangeet, Gano Sangeet, Kalnir Dheu, Dholmela, Bhatir Chithi and Kalnir Kooley. Bangla Academy has translated ten of his songs into English language.

Shah Abdul Karim is the living legend of Baul songs. He is versatile genius has lived a very simple life. But with the emergence of Baul songs in Bangladesh he has been honored the way he should have been a long time ago.

Most famous songs

Kano piritee barailarey bondhu
Gari cholena cholena
Maya lagaise
Ami koolhara kolonkini
Agey ki shundor din kataitham
Ami tomar kaul-er gari
Shokhi kunjo shajao
Ailaye na
Boshonto Batashey

Gan Gai Amar

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Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani

Born: 1 September 1918 Sunamganj, Sylhet, British India (now part of Bangladesh)

Died: 16 February 1984
Nationality: Bangladeshi
Occupation: General and Supreme Commander of the Bangladesh Forces during Bangladesh Liberation War

Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani, better known as Banga Bir General M.A.G. Osmani (1 September 1918 – 16 February 1984) was the Supreme Commander of the Mukti Bahini and Bangladesh Armed Forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Education

Osmani was born in Sunamganj, Sylhet Division on 1 September 1918. He passed matriculation from Sylhet Government Pilot School. Later, he graduated in Aligarh Muslim University, India. He was a descendant of Nizamuddin Osmani of Dayamir, Sylhet.

Military Career

In 1939, Osmani started his military career as a Gentleman Cadet during the British Raj in the Indian Military Academy at Dehra Dun. Upon completion of training at the IMA, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Indian Army as an artillery officer in 1940, during World War II. He served in the Burma sector and won the distention of a battle field promoted to a Major in 1942. After the birth of India and Pakistan in 1947 following the departure of the British Rule, Osmani joined the Pakistan Army on 7 October 1947, and was soon promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He served as an aide to the Chief of General Staff in 1949. In 1952, he served as commanding officer of the 9th battalion of the 14th Punjab Regiment, and later as additional commandant of the East Pakistan Rifles. After being promoted to Colonel in 1956, he was appointed and general staff officer of the army at the Army HQ. In 1958 Osmani held the post of deputy director of general staff and subsequently director of military operations. He retired from Pakistan Armed Forces on 16 February 1967. He was reinstated to active duty in the Bangladesh Forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War in April of 1971 and later promoted to the full rank of General during the 11-17th of July Bangladesh Sector Commanders Conference 1971. As such he was appointed C-in-C of all Bangladesh Forces during the duration of the war. He held the title of Commander-in-Chief until his retirement in April of 1972, when the Bangladesh Forces officially dissolved into four independent regular forces, the Bangladesh Army, the Bangladesh Navy, the Bangladesh Air Force and the Bangladesh Rifles

Entry into politics

After his retirement, Osmani entered the politics of East Pakistan. He joined the Sheikh Mujib-led Awami League in 1970. As a candidate from Awami League, he was elected a member of the Pakistan national assembly in the 1970 elections in Pakistan. After the commencement of Bangladesh Liberation War, Osmani became a member of the provisional government-in-exile.

Leadership during Bangladesh Liberation War

With the formation of Bangladesh government on 17 April 1971, retired Colonel Osmani was reinstated to active duty under the authority of Bangladesh government and appointed commander in chief of all Bangladesh Forces. During the historic Bangladesh Sector Commanders Conference 1971 he was promoted to General. Under his direct command, Osmani divided up the entire Bangladesh territory to 11 sectors. Each sector was under the command of a trained military officer with the title of Sector Commander. Each sector also had sub-sectors with sub sector commanders.

Post-independence activities

After the country's independence, Osmani retired from service 7 April 1972. He was then included in the cabinet of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as Minister of Shipping, Inland Water Transport and Aviation. Osmani was elected a member of the national parliament in 1973, and was included in the new cabinet with charge of the ministries of Post, Telegraph and Telephone, Communication, Shipping, Inland Water Transport and Aviation.

He resigned from the cabinet in May 1974 after the introduction of one-party system of government through the Fourth Amendment to the constitution. Along with Barrister Mainul Hosein, both elected MPs, resigned from the Awami League protesting abolishing of democracy in Bangladesh by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

MAG Osmani was appointed an Adviser to the President in charge of Defense Affairs by Khondaker Mostaq Ahmed (then President and Law Minister currently) on 29 August 1975. But he resigned immediately after the killing of four national leaders inside the Dhaka Central Jail on 3 November.

The Jatiya Janata Party

Osmani launched a new political party styled as Jatiya Janata Party in September 1976 and was elected its President. He contested in the presidential elections in 1978 as a nominee of the Democratic Alliance. He contested in the presidential elections once again in 1981 as a nominee of the Jatiya Nagarik Committee (National Citizens Committee).

Family life

All his life Osmani lived as a bachelor and had no offspring who exist today. His family home is 18 km south from sylhet city in the villege of doyamir. His home in the Nayarpul locality of the north-eastern city of Sylhet, from where he hails, is currently in ruins. The Government has claimed it as its official territory.

But though a bachelor all his life, Osmani was close to his relatives and family throughout his life. Most trips to Sylhet involved making visits to his loved ones, and in Dhaka he would regularly welcome nephews and nieces to his residence. Within the wider family Osmani was known for his love, but also for his temper, his passion, his glaring eyes and his military discipline. Only his Alsatians were generally disliked, and almost universally feared by visiting folk. Famously one niece was bitten when she tried to run away from one of the Osmani Alsatians.Osmani left no heirs but his imprint and impact live on in his wider family, two generations after his death.

Death

In 1983, aged 65, Osmani was diagnosed with cancer at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka. Immediately he was flown to London for treatment, at the Government's expense. He was attended to by specialists at St Bartholomew's Hospital. Most of his time in the UK was spent staying at the family home of his nephew and niece, Mashahid Ali and Sabequa Chowdhury. Both were beloved to him - the late Mashahid (Shahee) had helped Osmani in his later years by funding the establishment of his political party, the Jatiya Janata Party, following Osmani's exit from the Mujib government. Sabequa spent formative years of her childhood in Osmani's home in Sylhet, and Osmani gifted his allocated plot in Dhaka to her in the early 1970s. Osmani's days would pass with an almost endless stream of visitors, well wishers and acolytes calling on him to wish him well, to ask his guidance, or just to see him.

Though Osmani was responding favorably to the cancer treatment, in early February he deteriorated unexpectedly. The hospital diagnosed that he had been given the wrong type of blood at the CMH and that this was now infected. His demise followed immediately after, in bed on 16 February 1984 in London, aged 66. Throughout these months of treatment and convalescence, the famous fire in his eyes and the quiver in his bristly moustache stayed with him till the very end.

Following his sudden death, Osmani's body was flown to Bangladesh. The cavalcade of cars to Heathrow was provided a special police escort which with full diplomatic protocol sped the entourage through the streets of London, stopping the traffic along the route. About a week after his death Osmani was buried in Darga, Sylhet with full military honours. His grave lies adjacent to his mother's.

Remembrance

Mohammed Ataul Ghani Osmani in regarded in Bangladesh as one of the greatest freedom fighters, regarded as a brave man never afraid of laying down his life. The international airport in his hometown of Sylhet has been named after him as Osmani Antorjatik Biman Bondor (Osmani International Airport - Sylhet). Even the state-run hospital in Sylhet, is named after him as Osmani Hospital. Also a small flock of tourists and local visitors flock to his dilapidated home in Dayamir, Sylhet to have a decent picnic on the huge lawn, a swim in the vast pond dug by himself, or just to admire the dilapidated house.  
 

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Kabi Dilwar

Kabi Dilwar (Born on 1 January 1937 in Sylhet, Bangladesh) is a Bangladeshi poet famous for writing on behalf of the poor and neglected people. He is the only poet known as "Gono Manusher Kabi" which means Poet of the People. He describes the struggles of the lower class through poems, short stories, essays and journal articles. He is recipient of the nation's highest award in poetry (Bangla Academy Prize) in 1980 and Academy Fellowship (#126) in 1981. Recently he was awarded the Ekushey Padak, the highest civilian award, for literature.

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