Sylhet: The Vibrant Heart of Bangladesh

Sylhet, also known as Jalalabad, is a metropolitan city in northeastern Bangladesh. It is the administrative seat of the Sylhet Division, located on the right bank of the Surma River. The city has a rich history and is renowned for its vibrant culture, commerce, and biodiversity.

The history of Sylhet can be traced back to ancient times. It is believed that Sylhet was a commercial center since the 1st millennium BCE. It was ruled by various kingdoms and dynasties, including the Kamarupa, Harikela, Deva, and Twipra kingdoms. This region was a part of the ancient Bengali kingdom of Harikela during the 9th and 10th centuries.

In the 14th century, a Muslim saint named Hazrat Shah Jalal arrived in Sylhet from the Middle East and, with his 360 followers, is said to have converted the region to Islam. The city is named after him.

During the British colonial period, Sylhet became part of the British Indian Empire. After the partition of India in 1947, Sylhet became a part of East Pakistan, which later became independent Bangladesh in 1971.

Today, Sylhet is one of the most important spiritual and cultural centers in Bangladesh. It is known for the shrines of Sufi saints, tea gardens, and its rich folk music heritage. The city is also a significant center for the Bangladeshi diaspora, particularly in the United Kingdom.