Ramshagar, Dinajpur, Bangladesh: Biggest Man Made Pond of Bangladesh

Ramsagar is the largest man made pond (Dighi, Bengali meaning) sited at Tejpur Village in Dinajpur. Ramsagar is only 8 km south from Dinajpur Town. It bears some exceptional historical events of national heritage. Ramsagar was excavated by Raja Ram Nath, who dug it in time of the eve of battle of Palashi. At that time Nawab Alibardi Khan ruled over this land. To prevent drought and famine of this land, Raja Ram Nath begun to dig out the Tank or Dhighi on the basis of ‘Food for Work’ system. About 1.5 millions of labors work in there to excavate the biggest pond of Bangladesh. Ram Nath spends an amount of Taka 30,000 in his time. Most of the historians believe that Ramsagar was created after the draught and famine of 1750 to 1755 AD.

The water area of Ramsagar measures 1079m along north-south and 192.6m along east-west. Approximate depth of the tank is 9.5m. There was a stairway on the middle of the western side. Some mark of the ‘Ghat’ still exists. This structure was made by sandstone slabs of different sizes and it is measured about 45.8 m by 18.3 m. Ramshagar is surrounded by 10.75m high wall. Made of sandstone slabs of different sizes, the structure measured about 45.8m by 18.3m. The tank is surrounded by 10.75m high wall. Beyond the bank the surrounding is a large plain area having some amazing landscape.

Ramsagar is dense with plenty of fish, as well as fresh water crocodiles. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation has taken many steps to beautify this famous sight. Tourists can get pleasure from huge wild life such as Deer, Spotted Deer, Bear and other well known animals. For bird seeing, Ramsagar is an ideal place. You can see various kinds of birds like Sand Piper, Ringed Plover, Grey and Purple Herons etc. In winter, thousands of migratory birds visit Ramshagar as it is the biggest tank of the country. Birds’ lovers will become so much in love with the scenery creates here in Ramshagar.

By recognizing the significance of this tourist’s spot, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation takes initiatives to titivate the beauty of Ramsagar. Corporation has inaugurated a rest house recently. This rest house creates a new window for the tourists and visitors who want to see the beauty and legend of Ramsagar. The authority also made some recreational spots for the children on the four sides of the Ramsagar. Salute to the Parjatan Corporation Authority who made this place so excellent. In 2001, Ramsagar was declared National park by the authority. After this declaration, importance of Ramshagar has been increasing sharply to the tourists. 

A legend about Ramsagar has been chattering here by the local people. They say, after the digging of Ramsagar, there is no sign of water in the pond. Then King Ram Nath dreamt a dream that if his son steps down this tank, it could be filled with water. For the betterment of the people, King’s son sacrificed his life in the pond’s water. And after that, this region could not face any famine or draught as Ramshagar is a huge water body itself. But as far as I know most of the big ponds of Bangladesh have same legend and myth.

Ramshagar is the most alluring spot for the visitors and tourists who eagerly want to visit Dinajpur. It is only six km south from Dinajpur Town. You can do plenty of things in this spot. Enjoying the red soil’s surroundings, fishing, speed boat riding, bird seeing are the notable aspects of Ramshagar. About two lakhs of visitors visit Ramshagar per year. It shows that how much popular place it is!