Will Kushtia Really Become the 'City of Lalon'? Potential, Plans and Real Challenges

Will Kushtia one day stand established not merely as a district on Bangladesh's map, but as an internationally known centre of Lalon Shahiji's humanist philosophy, Baul music, folk heritage and cultural tourism? The question is not new. But after the plan to build a 'City of Lalon' came up at the memorial festival held at Cheuria in Kushtia on the occasion of Fakir Lalon Shahiji's 136th Tirodhan Dibas in October 2026, the matter has come into fresh discussion.

Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said at the programme held at the Lalon Akhrabari on 17 October 2026 that Kushtia would one day be built up as a 'City of Lalon'. Along with developing the tourism industry through this, he also mentioned the initiative to restart the movement of vessels on the Gorai and Madhumati rivers. At the same programme the Prime Minister's adviser on information and broadcasting Zahed Ur Rahman informed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed interest in spreading Lalon's humanist philosophy at the school level.

These statements have created new expectations about preserving Kushtia's cultural heritage and developing tourism. But is building a city into a 'City of Lalon' confined only to naming, holding festivals or erecting a few structures? Or does it require long-term planning, proper preservation of heritage, the participation of local people and initiatives to embody Lalon's philosophy in real life?

In this special report of KushtiaShohor.com the potential of the 'City of Lalon' idea, the announced plans, the economic opportunities of tourism and the challenges of implementation have been analysed.

The Plan to Build a City of Lalon: What Is Known?

In a report of 17 October 2026 Jago News said Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury had expressed the expectation of building Kushtia into a 'City of Lalon'. He mentioned the development of the tourism industry and the initiative to restart the movement of vessels on the Gorai-Madhumati rivers. The same day the Daily Sun also published a report on the matter.

According to the Prime Minister's information adviser's statement, the head of government has expressed interest in bringing Lalon's philosophy of life and humanist education to students. If this initiative is implemented, Lalon's philosophy, no longer confined to festivals, songs or remembrance, could become a subject of discussion in the field of education too.

But an important difference must be remembered here. Building Kushtia into a 'City of Lalon' and starting vessel movement on the rivers are at present at the stage of announced plans and initiatives. Until detailed government information is published on the full project designs of these plans, fixed budgets, implementation deadlines and completed infrastructure, it will not be right to consider them implemented projects.

News sources on this subject:

• Jago News, 17 October 2026: https://www.jagonews24.com/country/news/1169290
• Daily Sun, 17 October 2026: https://bangla.daily-sun.com/20/59138

Therefore the announcement of building a 'City of Lalon' can be seen as a promising beginning for Kushtia. But for that potential to take real shape, what kind of planning is undertaken next and how far its implementation proceeds — that will be the main consideration.

Why Does Kushtia Have the Claim to Be a City of Lalon?

In the history of Bengal's folk culture, Baul sadhana and humanist philosophy, Kushtia's importance is especially notable. The Akhrabari at Cheuria, bound with the memory of Fakir Lalon Shahiji, is one of the chief centres of this district's cultural identity. At the same time Shilaidaha, rich with the memory of Rabindranath Tagore, Mir Mosharraf Hossain's literary heritage, and the places bound with the memory of Kangal Harinath Majumdar have made Kushtia a rich historical and cultural terrain.

If these heritages are seen separately, the full picture of Kushtia's cultural identity cannot be had. Rather, if Lalon's humanist teaching, Rabindranath's literary practice, Mir Mosharraf Hossain's literary achievements and the history of Kangal Harinath's journalism are presented in an integrated way, Kushtia can gain recognition as a broad cultural destination.

Yet at the centre of the 'City of Lalon' idea the philosophy and heritage of Lalon Shahiji must be given priority. The other historical structures can be connected to this broader cultural experience, but Lalon's identity should not be turned into merely a tourist attraction.

The foundation of this initiative could be building an information-rich cultural environment centred on reliable historical research on Lalon's life, compilations of his songs, the continuity of the prevailing Baul sadhana, and the history of the Akhrabari.

Lalon Shahiji: A Philosophy Larger Than a Tourist Attraction

The identity of Fakir Lalon Shahiji is not confined to being a composer of Baul songs or a sage. In his songs matters such as human identity, self-inquiry, social division, caste-creed and human dignity have arisen deeply.

The call found in Lalon's songs to understand a person's inner being instead of external identity is relevant even today. Against the tendency to divide people on the basis of religion, caste, colour or social standing, Lalon's humanist thought demands fresh discussion.

For this reason in the plan to build a City of Lalon, beautifying the Akhrabari or enlarging the scope of festivals alone will not be enough. Initiatives are also needed to spread Lalon's philosophy through research, music, literature, education and discussion in the public sphere.

If visitors go to Cheuria, take photographs and return, they will have seen only a visible part of the Lalon heritage. But if there is the opportunity to learn reliable facts about his life, songs, philosophy and contemporary relevance, the visit will become a meaningful cultural experience.

To attain this goal, quality information centres at the Akhrabari, research-based exhibitions, digital archives with explanations of the songs and the provision of trained cultural guides could be arranged.

The Lalon Akhrabari and the Memorial Festival: the Centre of Heritage Preservation

The Lalon Akhrabari at Cheuria in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia is an important centre of remembering Lalon Shahiji and of the sadhu-sanga of his followers. Every year, around Tirodhan Dibas and Dol Purnima, sages, Bauls, devotees, researchers and visitors gather here.

From 17 to 19 October 2026 a three-day memorial festival was held on the occasion of Lalon Shahiji's 136th Tirodhan Dibas. In a report published on 11 October, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) presented the preparations for the festival, the cleaning and decoration of the Akhrabari, and the sages and visitors who came from home and abroad.

Such arrangements play an important role in increasing Kushtia's cultural recognition. But alongside festival-centred management, the Akhrabari must be kept information-rich and orderly for visitors all through the year.

To handle the influx of vast numbers of people during the festival, security, emergency medical care, drinking water, clean toilets, waste management, vehicle control and facilities for barrier-free movement of the disabled are essential. After the festival, evaluating the state of these arrangements, development plans for the next event could be taken.

At the same time the Akhrabari's historical environment, the sadhu-sanga's own rites and the dignity of the sages and followers must be protected. Rather than turning cultural heritage into a tourism product, presenting it to visitors while keeping the heritage's independence unimpaired should be the chief aim.

Source of information: BSS, 11 October 2026 — https://www.bssnews.net/others/433784

The Gorai and Madhumati Rivers: New Possibilities of Tourism

That river-centred tourism is joined to the City of Lalon idea is important. The rivers' relation with Kushtia's geographical identity, people's life, agriculture and local economy is of long standing.

In the Culture Minister's statement of 17 October there came up the initiative to restart the movement of vessels on the Gorai and Madhumati rivers. If the plan is implemented, new opportunities could be created around the river routes for travel, acquaintance with local history, riverside recreation and small business.

Here, however, answers to several questions must first be sought. On which river route will vessels run? From where to where will passengers be taken? Which authority will approve the movement of vessels? How will the river's navigability, seasonal water flow, current, the safety of the waterway and possible environmental impact be evaluated?

Without answers to these questions, river tourism should not be promoted as a certain project.

On the potential of river-based tourism, in a BSS report published on 30 April 2026 the chars adjoining the Gorai-Padma confluence of Kumarkhali and Haripur in Kushtia were discussed. There the natural beauty, river journeys and the potential of the riverbanks were mentioned. The same report said that for that area no final tourism project had yet been approved; feasibility assessment was under discussion.

From this information it is understood that discussion is going on about tourism opportunities centred on Kushtia's rivers and chars, but to give the potential the shape of real development research, planning and environmental assessment are needed.

Source of information: BSS, 30 April 2026 — https://www.bssnews.net/bangla/national-parliament-session/303437

An Integrated Cultural Tourism Circuit in Kushtia

A realistic way of building a City of Lalon could be bringing Kushtia's important historical and cultural places within an integrated travel route.

The centre of this route could be the Lalon Akhrabari at Cheuria. With it could be connected the Shilaidaha Kuthibari, Tagore Lodge, the places bound with the memory of Mir Mosharraf Hossain, Kangal Harinath's Kangal Kuthi and the district's other historical structures.

In such a tourism circuit there should be mention of each place's history, sights, travel information, necessary directions for visitors and approved visiting hours. Real distances between the places, the state of the roads and the time needed for travel must be checked in making routes.

Besides a one-day route, a two-day cultural travel plan could also be made. Thereby tourists coming from afar will get the chance to see more places, and the chance of their spending on local lodging, food and transport will also grow.

On Kushtia's tourism potential, in a report published in the Dainik Sangram on 29 August 2026 the necessity of building the historical structures in an integrated way into tourism centres was presented. The report also mentioned shortcomings in preservation, communication, guidance systems, rest rooms and cleanliness.

The important point here is that merely publishing a list of the tourism places will not do. Up-to-date information must be given about getting to them, access, the state of preservation and the facilities existing for visitors.

Source of information: Dainik Sangram, 29 August 2026 — https://archive.dailysangram.com/bangladesh/country-news/wPfz4yw8G0ww/

What Changes Can Grow in the Local Economy if Tourism Grows?

Planned tourism can have a positive impact on Kushtia's local economy. If the number of visitors grows, demand is likely to grow for residential hotels, restaurants, local transport, handicrafts, music, cultural events and guide services.

In particular, training-based employment opportunities can be created for local youth. Some can work as cultural guides, some can engage in research and the presentation of information on local history, and again some can build businesses in Baul music, handicrafts or local food.

But there is no assurance that if tourism grows the local people's income will automatically grow. If a large part of the money earned from tourism goes outside the local economy, ordinary people will not get the expected benefit.

For this it is necessary to ensure the participation of local small entrepreneurs, craftsmen, artistes, transport workers and food businesses. For them fair business opportunity, training, hygienic selling arrangements and the simplification of the necessary approval process could be arranged.

In the case of the artistes of Lalon music too it is essential to ensure fair remuneration, a dignified environment of performance and recognition of their creative work. If Baul culture is used only as a means of entertainment, its historical and sadhana depth may be neglected.

The success of tourism therefore should not be measured only by how many visitors came. How far positive change has come in local people's income, employment, cultural participation and heritage preservation must also be evaluated.

Lalon's Philosophy in Schools: a Long-Term Cultural Investment

The Prime Minister's interest in spreading Lalon's philosophy at the school level came up in the news reports of 17 October 2026. If this initiative is implemented it can be significant not only for the City of Lalon idea but for Bangladesh's folk culture and humanist education.

But introducing Lalon in schools does not mean only having students memorize a few of his songs. His life, songs, historical context, humanist thought and contribution to Bengal's folk culture can be presented through age-appropriate teaching materials.

For this reliable teaching materials must be made with the collaboration of researchers, teachers, folk singers and cultural institutions. For students activities such as hearing the songs, explaining the songs' meaning, discussing folk heritage and visiting local cultural structures could be kept.

In discussing Lalon's philosophy it is essential to use reliable texts of his songs and statements. If sayings current on social media but unverified are propagated in his name, there is the risk of wrong information spreading.

If this education is conducted continuously, the coming generation will be able to know Lalon not merely as a familiar sage of festivals but as an important personality in the intellectual and cultural history of Bengal.

The Main Challenges of Implementing a City of Lalon

1. Clarity of Planning and Financing

Though the 'City of Lalon' is an attractive idea, what its real shape will be must be fixed. Without clarity on which projects will fall under it, which agency will bear responsibility, how much money will be needed and by what deadline the work will be completed, it is hard to measure the plan's progress.

An integrated master plan could be made in which heritage preservation, tourism infrastructure, communication, river-centred activities, local business and cultural education would be kept under separate programmes.

2. Heritage Preservation versus Commercialization

In the name of tourism development the environment and independence of the Akhrabari or historical structures must not be spoiled. Excessive construction, unplanned shops, high noise, waste and unregulated commercial activity can harm the heritage.

Before renovation or construction on any structure the advice of the concerned preservation authorities and experts must be taken. Development must be such that the historical environment remains unimpaired and visitors' facilities also grow.

3. Travel and Visitor Services

To grow tourism in Kushtia, reliable communication with the sights, adequate direction-finding, safe parking, clean toilets, places of rest and arrangements for emergency medical care are important.

A government or reliable digital information portal could be made for visitors. There could be kept place-based introductions, travel directions, rules of entry, approved guides and emergency contact information.

4. Protection of the River and Environment

In river-centred tourism planning the river's navigability, biodiversity, bank stability, waste management and seasonal risks must be considered. In the movement of vessels safety equipment, trained pilots and approved waterways must be ensured.

Growing tourism by harming the natural environment will not be profitable in the long run. The opportunity of tourism must be created while protecting the environment of the rivers and chars.

5. The Participation of Sages-Bauls and Local People

The sages, Bauls, artistes, researchers and local communities connected with the Lalon heritage must be joined from the very time of taking plans. Without their experience and opinion, any plan made from outside may be at odds with the reality of local culture.

During cultural arrangements the sadhu-sanga's own rites, personal space and the dignity of spiritual practice must be protected. To keep balance between tourism management and heritage preservation their representation could be ensured.

6. Who Will Get the Fruits of Tourism?

If the economic fruits of tourism remain confined to only a few big business establishments, local people's participation will fall. Real opportunities must be created for local artistes, small entrepreneurs, transport workers, craftsmen and the youth.

For this arrangements could be taken for fixed places to sell local products, training, support to small entrepreneurs and ensuring fair remuneration for cultural services.

How Could Implementation Begin?

For building a City of Lalon, instead of doing everything at once beginning the work in several phases could be realistic.

First phase: information gathering and planning. A list must be made of the present state of the Lalon Akhrabari and other historical structures, visitors' needs, the communication system and necessary development. An integrated plan could be prepared taking the opinions of the concerned government departments, researchers, local organizations and the people.

Second phase: development of essential services. The work of improving cleanliness, direction-finding, tourist information centres, security, emergency medical care and necessary basic facilities could get priority.

Third phase: cultural and educational activities. A reliable digital archive of Lalon's songs and philosophy, research-based exhibitions, programmes for students and trained guide services could be built.

Fourth phase: integrated tourism and local employment. On the basis of feasibility assessment, plans could be taken to connect the historical places with routes, to open markets of local products and to start river-centred tourism activities.

Fifth phase: regular evaluation. Reviewing the number of tourists, local employment, environmental impact, the state of heritage preservation and visitors' experience, the necessary changes must be made in the plan.

These steps are a proposed plan of action. They cannot be considered the government's approved or ongoing programmes until the concerned authorities confirm them formally.

The Expectations of Kushtia's People and Accountability

In implementing the 'City of Lalon' idea the role of Kushtia's people is important. Local residents can give direct ideas about their area's heritage, environment and tourists' real experience. Their participation will help make the plan realistic and people-friendly.

At the same time regular information about the progress of government initiatives must be published. If the project's name, approved budget, responsible agency, work deadlines and progress reports are easily available to the public, the plan's accountability will grow.

The local media too can play an important role in this. Not merely publishing news of announcements, the progress of the announced initiatives, local people's opinions, the state of heritage preservation and the tourists' problems must be followed regularly.

For a local platform of history and heritage like KushtiaShohor.com this can be a field of long-term work. Through fact-checking, field-level reports, interviews of the elderly and collecting historical documents the district's cultural resources can be documented.

The Last Word: Identity Will Be Built by Work, Not by Name

The idea of building Kushtia into a 'City of Lalon' is undoubtedly promising. The Akhrabari bound with the memory of Lalon Shahiji, the heritage of Baul music, the humanist philosophy and the district's broad cultural resources can be the strong foundation of this initiative.

The Culture Minister's statement in October 2026 and the government's interest in spreading Lalon's philosophy at the school level have given birth to new expectations. But to give the expectations real shape, after the announcement are needed clear planning, financing, division of responsibility and regular evaluation of progress.

Growing tourism while protecting Kushtia's heritage, creating local people's employment, ensuring the protection of the rivers and environment, and bringing Lalon's humanist philosophy to the coming generation — these four aims must be advanced together.

The success of building a City of Lalon will not depend on how many new structures are built or how many tourists came. Rather, how far Lalon's heritage is preserved, how far the local people are benefited and how far his humanist philosophy is practised in society — these very matters will be the true measure of success.

Whether Kushtia will really become a City of Lalon, the answer is still in the future's hands. But if the planning is realistic, participatory and heritage-sensitive, a path to realizing this dream can be made.

Sources

1. Jago News, 17 October 2026 — 'Kushtia will one day be a City of Lalon: Culture Minister'. https://www.jagonews24.com/country/news/1169290
2. Daily Sun, 17 October 2026 — 'The Prime Minister wants to spread Lalon's teachings in schools: Information Adviser'. https://bangla.daily-sun.com/20/59138
3. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), 11 October 2026 — Preparations for the 136th Tirodhan Dibas at the Lalon Akhrabari. https://www.bssnews.net/others/433784
4. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), 30 April 2026 — Report on the tourism potential of Kushtia's Gorai-Padma confluence and char areas. https://www.bssnews.net/bangla/national-parliament-session/303437
5. Dainik Sangram, 29 August 2026 — 'Vast potential of tourism in the cultural capital Kushtia; planned initiative needed'. https://archive.dailysangram.com/bangladesh/country-news/wPfz4yw8G0ww/