Standing tall and majestic in front of the Cox’s Bazar District Council office is a timeless banyan tree over a hundred years old. Its weathered roots, sprawling branches, and serene shade make it much more than a tree—it is a living monument, a symbol of memory and history.
Fall leaves blanket the ground beneath the tree every dawn as though nature whispers a song. When the first rays of sunlight dance upon those leaves, they glimmer, marking the beginning of a new day. Beneath its canopy, passersby find a unique solace, as if the tree absorbs their weariness and fills their hearts with peace.
Sayedul Karim, a nearby shopkeeper, says, “I’ve seen this tree since I was born. Never have I seen sunlight pierce through its dense canopy. It’s like a giant umbrella of nature. Standing under it is an experience of tranquillity.” Like him, many others tie their childhood, adolescence, and life stories to this tree.
The banyan tree offers shade but also a sanctuary for countless birds, small animals, and people’s cherished memories. As time flows and the city changes, this tree remains an unwavering witness to history. Its cycle of shedding old leaves and sprouting new ones beautifully mirrors the rhythm of life itself.
This century-old banyan tree teaches us the virtues of patience, the joy of offering shelter, and the depth of rootedness. Witnessing countless moments and stories, it is a living poem of nature that will forever be etched in the hearts of all who encounter it.
By Rajin Saleh
Photo: Rajin Saleh
