Badhaghat on Chitra River bank stands as witness of time

Standing as a witness to time, the Badhaghat of the zamindars on the bank of the Chitra River in Narail still remains. Influential zamindar Kali Shankar Roy built this structure—known as the "Aquatic Taj Mahal"—in Kurigram 165 years ago beside the Narail-Lakshmipasha-Nowapara road.

After the fall of Rani Bhabani of Natore, Kali Shankar Roy became the most influential landlord in the region. Vast areas of Khulna, Jashore, and Narail were under his rule. With the passage of time and due to encroachment, most of the structures have disappeared.

However, the Badhaghat built in 1853 still proudly stands on the bank of the Chitra River. It was constructed with lime, brick chips and railway sleepers, specifically for the women of the landlord’s household to bathe. The structure leads down to the river with 21 steps.

Located beside the Narail Government Victoria College, this historic Badhaghat attracts many visitors from different parts of the country every day. Due to the lack of entertainment centres in the town, it has become a popular gathering spot during Eid and other festivals.

However, during a recent spot visit it was found that due to the lack of maintenance over the years, the steps are now falling apart. Currently, only 15 of the original steps remain intact.

According to history, the first landlord of Narail, Ruparam Roy, arrived in 1791. He laid the foundation of the zamindari system by purchasing the Aladatur estate in the town. However, its real expansion took place during the time of landlord Kali Shankar Roy.

When the British introduced the Permanent Settlement, Kali Shankar Roy expanded his zamindari by purchasing various estates—both in his own name and under aliases—including Telihaati, Binodpur, Ruppaat, Torof Kalia, and Torof Dariapur, which once belonged to Rani Bhabani.

He built a grand palace featuring large mansions, a dozen or so large ponds and tanks, a theater stage, temples, fruit orchards, and other luxurious facilities.

After Kali Shankar Roy, his two sons—Ram Narayan (landlord of Narail) and Joy Narayan (landlord of Hatbaria in Narail)—managed the estate. Following Ram Narayan's death, his elder son Ram Ratan Roy took over the zamindari.

After the partition of the country in 1947, the zamindars moved to India. A few returned until 1955, but none came back in the six decades that followed. The zamindari system was officially abolished in 1965.

Shanta Biswas, a student of Victoria College, said, “When we don’t have class, my friends and I come to Badhaghat to hang out. The Chitra River gives this place a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere. I really enjoy it.”

College students Himel Kund, Digonto Biswas, Jasim, and Titas said even in extreme heat, the atmosphere at Badhaghat always feels cool. We don’t have any entertainment centers here, so this place is great for spending our free time. We come here often—hang out with friends, take photos. The environment at Badhaghat is really beautiful.

District Commissioner Ashfaqul Haque Chowdhury said, “Narail is known for its unique sports culture, heritage, and role in the Liberation War. The remnants of the zamindars have added to this legacy. The Badhaghat, left behind from the British era, is one of the district’s key attractions.”

He added that much of the vast property left by the zamindars had been illegally occupied. After reclaiming those lands, the district administration established the DC Eco Park. Renovation has also been carried out at the Badhaghat along the Chitra River. Now, visitors from all over the country come to this area to enjoy and relax.