Nature & places

Tanguar Haor and the haor wetlands

Tanguar Haor in Sunamganj shows how a wetland can become open water in the rains and a patchwork of fishing grounds and fields as water recedes.

In northeastern Bangladesh, a haor is a broad, low-lying basin that fills during the wet season. Tanguar Haor in Sunamganj is one of the best-known examples and is recognised as a Ramsar wetland of international importance. In the rains, separate water bodies join into a wide expanse, with settlements standing on higher ground. As water falls, the landscape separates into channels, pools and land used for cultivation. Fish move through this changing system, while winter brings migratory waterbirds alongside resident species. A boat journey can pass from open water to the shade of wetland trees within a short distance. For local households, the haor is a source of food and work, not an empty scenic backdrop. Early flash floods can threaten crops before harvest, and harmful fishing practices put pressure on aquatic life. Visitors can reduce disturbance by keeping their distance from birds, avoiding loud music and taking waste back. The seasonal rhythm is the point of the place, not an inconvenience to overcome.