Carrying a bundle of peculiar, palm-like fruits resembling ice apples, Golam Mia, a vendor from the Sundarbans, has brought a taste of the mangroves to the shores of Cox’s Bazar. His unique merchandise, Gol Fal, has attracted curious tourists who gather around, asking questions and filming videos.
Golam Mia passionately explains the virtues of this rare fruit to every onlooker: “This is the fruit of the Golpata tree, found in the Sundarbans. It’s more nutritious than ice apples and is a remedy for body aches, diabetes, and skin ailments. Eating it instantly cools your body.” He adds that he travels across Bangladesh selling this fruit and visits Cox’s Bazar several times a month—his daily earnings from selling Gol Fruit range between Tk1,000 and Tk1,500.
The Golpata tree, a mangrove species native to the Sundarbans, produces this distinctive fruit. While well-known in its native habitat, Gol Fal remains a novelty to people in other parts of the country.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Polash Shikdar
