Munshiganj, historically known as Bikrampur, is the ancient intellectual capital of Bengal. Long before Dhaka became the center of attention, Bikrampur was the seat of kings and scholars. It is the birthplace of Atish Dipankar, the great Buddhist scholar who traveled to Tibet and influenced Asian philosophy. The weight of this history is felt in the archaeological sites scattered around the district, although many are buried under the silt of the rivers. The Idrakpur Fort is a standing testament to the Mughal era. Built to defend against pirates, this river fort is now surrounded by the city, but its thick walls and rounded bastions still look formidable. It serves as a reminder of the time when this region was the frontier of an empire.
Today, Munshiganj is the potato capital of Bangladesh. The soil is perfect for tuber crops, and you will see cold storage facilities everywhere. During harvest, the fields are busy with laborers, and the economy of the district revolves heavily around the price of potatoes. But for the average Dhakaites, Munshiganj means one thing: Mawa Ghat. Driving to Mawa to eat Hilsa fish is a modern ritual. The ghats are lined with restaurants frying fresh Hilsa caught from the nearby Padma River. Eating steaming hot rice with the fatty, flavorful fish, along with bharta made from the fish tail, is a culinary experience that people drive hours for. The atmosphere is chaotic, windy, and delicious.
The district is also the entry point for the Padma Bridge. The massive structure dominates the skyline and has fundamentally changed the economy of the region, turning Munshiganj into a suburb of sorts for the capital. Despite the rapid modernization, the district holds onto its traditional sweets. The Roshmalai of Munshiganj is creamy and distinct. The district is a unique blend of the very old and the very new. You have ancient Buddhist viharas being excavated on one side, and the country's biggest infrastructure project on the other. It is a land of scholars, farmers, and river currents.