Kurigram is the land of rivers and resilience. It is physically defined by the mighty Brahmaputra, the Dharla, and the Teesta rivers. Geographically, it is perhaps the most challenging terrain in the country, as it is composed largely of 'Chars' or river islands. These islands are constantly shifting; the river creates land one year and swallows it the next. This volatility shapes the lives of the people here. They are nomadic by necessity, often moving their homes multiple times in a lifetime. Visiting a Char in Kurigram is a lesson in human strength. You will see houses built on stilts, schools that can be dismantled in hours, and fields of pumpkins and peanuts growing on sandbars that were underwater just months ago. The poverty here is real, often exacerbated by the seasonal 'Monga' or joblessness, but the spirit of the people is unbreakable.
The district shares a massive, winding border with India on three sides. This location makes it a strategic but often tense region. The Bhurungamari and Nageshwari borders are famous in the history of the Liberation War, as these were some of the first areas to be liberated in 1971. The Dharla Bridge offers a stunning view of the riverine landscape. Standing on the bridge, looking out at the vast expanse of water and the small boats navigating the currents, you realize how small humans are against these elemental forces. The Chilmari river port is legendary in Bangladeshi culture, immortalized in the famous Bhawaiya song 'O ki gariyal bhai.' Once a bustling trade hub connecting Bengal to Assam, it is now a shadow of its former self, but it still holds a nostalgic charm. The river traffic here is still vital for the local economy.
Despite the hardships, Kurigram is incredibly beautiful. The countryside is lush and green, free from the industrial smog of the cities. In winter, the mustard fields turn the land into gold. The historic Shahi Mosque in Rajarhat, built during the Mughal era, stands as a reminder that civilization has thrived here for centuries. The district is also home to the Chakir Pashar Beel, a wetland that teems with fish and birds. Kurigram is raw and unfiltered. It is not a place of luxury tourism, but a place to witness the fierce, beautiful struggle of life on the delta's edge.