We were planning for about a year to visit the china-clay hill in Netrokona district. At last the chance came on June 2004. We, with my friend Zakir, Debu, and Sujon, started on the afternoon of June 1st from our hometown. Next morning, we reached Dhaka - the capital city of Bangladesh. We reached Mymensingh at 8 am.
We reached Birisiri at noon on June 2, 2004. Birisiri may be called a village-town. We will stay in the village-town and will visit the surroundings.
The tribes Garo, Hajong, and Sangma reside in the locality. The river Someswari is flowing by the Birisiri Bazar . Susang Durgapur Upazila is on the other side of this river . There is a Tribal Cultural Institute in Birisiri. But it is a restricted (!) area. Entrance with a camera is strictly prohibited here. We board in the YMCA guesthouse.
Later, we sat on the bank of Someswari. We enjoyed the evening. A breeze was coming from the flowing river. We became calm and quiet.
The next morning, we visited the Kamala Ranir Deeghi (the lake dug by queen Kamala). Then we joined up with a stone collector group. They collect stones from the Someswari River. These stones come naturally from the hills of India. We started with them by boat. After an hour, we reached an alluvial land. It was raining cats and dogs. We got thoroughly wet by the rain.
On the land we painted, we sang, we danced. Then, after a half an hour walk, we reached Ranikhong. Garos live here. There is a primary school, a high school, and a church here. It is a very silent place. Meghalaya, a province of India, is on the other side of the river.
From Ranikhong, we started for the china-clay hill at Bipingonj. On the way, we visited the Rashimoni Singh’s Monument at Boheratola. Bipingonj is a mile walk from here. At noon, we reached at the China-Clay hill. It is now a nude and hurt hill. The greedy businessmen have looted all its wealth. The hill made us sad. We ascended a green hill near the China Clay hill and saw the surroundings full of green high hills.
After an hour, we started on the way back. Crossing the Someswari and the Atrakali River, we reached Durgapur Bazar.
Quick Tips:
The church in Ranikhong is a residential area. Do not disturb the people.The tribes are friendly. A rare fish named moha-shol is found in the Someswari River. It is said that this fish eats stones only. The Garos have converted into Christians. There are many churches in this area.
Best Way To Get Around:
Public buses and coaches are available from the Mohakhali bus stand, and travel from Dhaka towards Mymensingh. You will have to get into a public bus to reach Birisiri from the Mymensingh Patgudam bus stand. Rail is available from Kamlapur Railway Station to go from Dhaka towards Mymensingh.