Play store
A small village in northern Bangladesh, known locally as the “Bird Village,” has become a haven for thousands of birds for more than 200 years, with residents now calling for official protection to preserve the unique sanctuary.
Located in West Dangapara of Chilahati in Domar upazila of Nilphamari district, the village is home to thousands of birds, including egrets, cormorants, night herons, doves and mynas. The birds nest in a sprawling bamboo grove covering about 4.2 acres, which locals say has sheltered them since the time of their ancestors.
The bamboo grove comes alive each morning with birdsong, while evenings are filled with the sound of thousands of birds returning to their nests. The area’s long association with the birds has made “Bird Village” a more familiar name than the village’s original identity.
Owners of the bamboo grove said the fourth generation of their family is now protecting the sanctuary.
“We have been seeing these birds since my grandfather’s time,” said one of the landowners, Majedul Islam. “We do our best to ensure no one harms them. But recently, illegal hunters and the lack of adequate conservation have raised concerns that the bird population could decline. We want the government to declare the area a protected sanctuary and provide fencing and proper surveillance.”
Another resident, Mosharraf Hossain, said villagers work together to ensure visitors do not disturb the birds.
The sanctuary attracts nature lovers and visitors from across the region every day. However, many visitors say the site lacks basic facilities.
“There is no place to sit,” said visitor Rakibul Islam, who travelled from Bhaulaganj. “Many people come here every day, but because there are no visitor facilities, most have to leave shortly after arriving.”
Domar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shaila Sayeed Tanvi said the bird sanctuary plays an important role in maintaining the local ecological balance.
She said the upazila administration has already carried out some improvement works, including excavating a pond, and is working with the Forest Department and the Department of Livestock Services to develop plans to make the sanctuary safer and more visitor-friendly.
Residents hope that with government and private support, the centuries-old Bird Village will be preserved for future generations while continuing to serve as a rare refuge for wildlife and a destination for eco-tourism.
