Rajajhir Dighi- Photo:BSS

By Mohammad Shahadat Hossain

FENI, April 8, 2026 (BSS) - Rajajhir Dighi, also known as Rajnandini Dighi, is the heart of Feni. The Feni subdivision was established in 1875 centering this pond. 

Gradually, important establishments were built around it. Over time, Feni evolved from a subdivision into a district and experienced multifaceted development. 

Many government institutions have been relocated elsewhere, yet the importance of Rajajhir Dighi has not diminished.

However, this historic pond-witness to the birth of Feni town-is now losing its charm due to encroachment and pollution. 

Although roads surround the pond, even walking along them has become difficult, let alone vehicular movement. 

Especially on the southern and eastern banks, hundreds of illegal shops have been established through encroachment. Waste from these shops is being dumped directly into the pond, as if it has no guardian. As a result, both the pond and its surrounding areas are suffering from severe pollution.

Historical records show that the Feni subdivision headquarters was established around this pond in 1875. 

Even after becoming a district, many important institutions were located around it: the district and sessions judge court on the eastern bank, additional court buildings on the western bank, Officers' Club, Court Mosque, Islamic Foundation, Assistant Superintendent of Police's office and residence, Feni Model Police Station, the Deputy Commissioner's office at the northwest corner, and a Roads and Highways rest house on the northern bank.

Later, when the district headquarters was shifted elsewhere, the Deputy Commissioner's office and courts were relocated. 

However, several important establishments still remain around the pond, including a government officers' dormitory, Nabin Chandra Sen Public Library, Red Crescent Society, a Liberation War memorial at the southeast corner, Court Mosque, District Bar Association building, Officers' Club, Women's Organization, Feni Reporters Unity, Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle), Feni Heart Foundation, and the Roads and Highways rest house. 

A Zila Parishad Shishu Park has been built at the northeast corner, while the northwest corner has been allocated to the Shishu Academy.

Despite the presence of these important institutions, the pond and its surrounding areas have become unusable due to encroachment and pollution.

On-site observations reveal that at least 400 shops have been built illegally on the eastern and southern banks. 

Besides ready-made garment shops and other businesses, drug trafficking is reportedly taking place under the guise of these establishments. 

There is also the dominance of juvenile gangs. Over the past three months, attacks by these gangs have injured students and pedestrians. Additionally, at least two unidentified bodies have been recovered from the pond during this period. 

Although the administration has repeatedly announced eviction drives, effective action has yet to be implemented. Even when evictions occur, the encroachers return after some time.

Although a scenic walkway has been constructed on the eastern and southern banks with funding from the Ministry of Climate Change, illegal structures and gang activities continue to disrupt a safe and normal walking environment.

Alal Uddin Alal, member secretary of the district BNP and convener of the town traders' association, told BSS that Rajajhir Dighi is a historic tourist site of Feni. 

Due to lack of proper maintenance by the authorities, it has turned into a dumping ground, he said. 

He suggested removing all illegal structures and, if necessary, arranging an evening market for hawkers so that both the beauty of the pond can be restored and hawkers can be rehabilitated.

Deputy Commissioner Monira Haque told BSS that the issue has been discussed in various forums, including the district law and order committee. 

After field inspections, legal action will be taken to evict illegal structures as per regulations, she said adding that although the banks were cleared previously, they were reoccupied by hawkers. 

He said the administration is planning permanent rehabilitation for hawkers to keep footpaths and the pond area free from encroachment.

The DC emphasized raising awareness among political leaders and all sections of society to keep the pond free from illegal occupation and called for collective efforts.

According to local folklore, a powerful king of Tripura excavated the pond over 10.32 acres to restore his daughter's eyesight, he said. 

From this, the pond got its name "Rajajhir Dighi" ("jhi" meaning daughter in the local dialect). Another source refers to it as Rajnandini Dighi.

In the past, visitors to Feni would first rush to enjoy the scenic beauty of this pond. Its clean water and fresh air offered a refreshing experience. But now, due to illegal encroachment and pollution, the pond is on the verge of losing its life.