Sunamganj

Sunamganj is a district in the Sylhet Division of north-eastern Bangladesh. It lies in the Surma River basin and encompasses part of the region’s extensive haor wetlands. The district’s administrative center is the town of Sunamganj.

Geography and environment: A defining feature is the Tanguar Haor, a large seasonally flooded wetland that supports fishing, livelihoods, and biodiversity. The area experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon and a cooler dry season. Floodplains and scattered hills shape local settlement and agriculture, and the haor system hosts migratory birds during winter.

History and administration: Sunamganj became a separate district in 1984, having previously been part of Sylhet District. It is administered as a district with multiple upazilas and municipalities. The population is predominantly Bengali-speaking, with Muslims forming the majority and Hindus a minority; the Sylheti dialect is widely used in daily life.

Economy and society: The economy is largely agrarian, with rice, pulses, and vegetables grown in the floodplain areas. Fisheries, both extensive and small-scale, play a central role, particularly around the haors. Small-scale trade, weaving, and services support the rural economy. Tourism, especially eco-tourism around Tanguar Haor, provides additional income.

Transport and education: Transport relies on a network of regional roads and river routes along the Surma basin, connecting Sunamganj with Sylhet and other parts of the country. The district has a number of colleges and vocational institutes serving secondary and higher education.

Notable places: The Tanguar Haor is the district’s primary landmark and a key site for biodiversity and traditional livelihoods.