Chuadanga is a district that is often in the news for one reason: heat. It is geographically located in a position that makes it frequently the hottest place in Bangladesh during the summer. The temperatures here can be punishing, scorching the earth and testing the endurance of its people. But this intense heat, combined with the fertile soil, makes it an agricultural goldmine. Chuadanga has quietly become the corn capital of the country. As you drive through the district, the traditional paddy fields are increasingly being replaced by tall stalks of maize. The sheer scale of corn production here has changed the economic landscape, bringing prosperity to farmers who were once dependent on rain-fed crops. The district acts as a massive silo, feeding the poultry and fish feed industries of the nation.
However, the most famous landmark in Chuadanga is undoubtedly Carew & Co. Located in Darsana, this is the only state-owned distillery in Bangladesh. Established in 1938, it is a relic of the British Raj that is still functioning. The complex includes a sugar mill, a distillery, and a farm. It produces sugar, vinegar, and, most famously, alcohol. In a country with strict prohibition laws, Carew & Co occupies a unique legal and cultural space. The architecture of the complex is colonial, with red brick buildings and old machinery that smells of molasses and fermentation. Darsana is also a critical international check post. The railway line here connects Bangladesh to India, and the Maitree Express passes through this station. The constant movement of trains creates a vibrant, border-town atmosphere where people are always coming or going.
Chuadanga also has a deep history of resistance. It was here that the first command of the Bangladesh liberation war was set up, and for a brief period, it was considered the first capital of independent Bangladesh before the government moved to Mujibnagar. The locals are fiercely proud of this history. The district is crossed by the Mathabhanga River, a river that has a serene, almost poetic beauty as it winds through the flat plains. Culturally, the district shares a lot with Kushtia, with a strong tradition of Baul music and folk theater. The mesmerizing Ghol (buttermilk) sold at the railway station is a must-try for anyone passing through. Chuadanga is a district of extremes—extreme heat, heavy industry, and a border that serves as a lifeline for trade and travel.