Gopalganj’s river sandbank turns into recreation hub
The char, which has appeared near the Charmathla ferry ghat in Jalalabad union under Gopalganj Sadar as the river’s water level receded, now presents a striking view of blue water and wide stretches of white sand
ATT Desk Report 
A vast sandy char emerging from the Madhumati River in Gopalganj has recently turned into an unexpected leisure spot, attracting thousands of visitors every afternoon.
The char, which has appeared near the Charmathla ferry ghat in Jalalabad union under Gopalganj Sadar as the river’s water level receded, now presents a striking view of blue water and wide stretches of white sand. Many locals have begun calling it “Mini Cox’s Bazar,” comparing its beauty to Bangladesh’s famous sea beach.
The once quiet riverbed started drawing crowds after drone footage and photographs of the sandbank went viral on Facebook. Since then, visitors have been arriving not only from Gopalganj but also from nearby districts such as Narail, Bagerhat, Magura and Faridpur.
One of the most remarkable features of the sandbank is the dramatic change caused by the tide. During high tide, the entire area goes under water. When the tide recedes, however, a large island of bright white sand appears and remains visible for nearly two hours before being submerged again.
From afar, the scene resembles a small sea beach in the middle of a river. Families, groups of friends and curious travellers gather every day to witness the unusual sight.
A festive atmosphere now surrounds the site. Microbuses, private cars, auto-rickshaws and motorcycles line the riverbank, while many visitors also arrive on foot. Young people play football and cricket on the sand, while others sing, chat or take photos and videos against the scenic backdrop.
Boat rides around the sandbank have become a major attraction. Visitors can take a tour by boat for Tk 50 to Tk 100, while short crossings cost between Tk 20 and Tk 50 per person.
The growing number of tourists has also created small business opportunities along the riverbank. Temporary stalls sell snacks such as jhalmuri, fuchka, chotpoti and bhelpuri, as well as toys for children. Local residents, especially boatmen and ferrymen, say they are enjoying brisk business transporting visitors.
Chanchal Mahmud, who came from Lohagara in Narail with his daughter, said he was delighted by the experience. “We came because my daughter wanted to see it. The clear water and the beautiful sandbar are fascinating. It feels like standing by the sea. Next time I will bring the whole family,” he said.
Gopalganj Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Koushik Ahmed said the administration has increased monitoring in the area. “A large number of visitors are coming every day. Because the river is tidal, the water level can rise suddenly. We are urging visitors to remain cautious. Our aim is to ensure a safe, orderly and enjoyable environment for everyone,” he said.
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