Despite neglect and limited maintenance, the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway transforms into a visual spectacle every spring, as the fiery crimson of blossoming Palash trees (Butea monosperma) lines the roadside medians. Around mid-spring, these trees burst into full bloom, adorning the highway with a vivid splash of colour that captivates commuters and passers-by alike. The intense red of the Palash flowers has become a signature sight along this major route, enchanting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Stretching approximately 50 kilometres from Valuka to Mymensingh, the highway’s central divider hosts a dense display of Palash trees. Travelers often pause, figuratively if not literally, to admire the scenic beauty, while pedestrians along the roadside also enjoy the vibrant spectacle. Khairul Bashar Mohammad Saddam Hossain, Executive Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) in Mymensingh, stated, “When the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway was upgraded to a four-lane road, we planted a variety of flowering trees along the median. These plantings serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, including soil retention. Among them, the Palash stands out. Beyond spring, seasonal blooms such as Sonali, Krishnochura, and Shimul add to the highway’s floral diversity. Where trees have perished, we plan to replant new saplings.”
The scenic bloom is particularly striking along the Valuka section, including Square Masterbari, Seed Store, Valuka town, and neighbouring Trishal Upazila. The roadside vistas are dominated by uninterrupted stretches of crimson, creating a painterly effect for all who traverse the route.
| Location | Dominant Flower Species | Approx. Distance (km) | Visual Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square Masterbari | Palash, Krishnochura | 5 | Median lined with bright red blooms |
| Seed Store | Palash, Sonali | 8 | Striking floral contrast along highway |
| Valuka | Palash, Shimul | 12 | Vibrant colours visible from moving vehicles |
| Bhara-Dobas & Trishal | Palash, Sonali | 25 | Expansive, uninterrupted floral display |
Bristi, a student at Mymensingh Polytechnic College, remarked, “Travelling from Valuka to Mymensingh, the Palash trees along the divider are simply stunning. Even on gloomy days, the sight uplifts the spirit.” Likewise, Md. Main Uddin, president of Valuka Press Club, said, “Everyone loves flowers. Encountering such vivid scenery on the way to work or school refreshes the mind and leaves one with a sense of joy.”
Kamrul Hasan Pathan Kamal, Secretary of the Bangladesh Environmental Movement, highlighted the importance of maintenance, noting that proper care could enhance the bloom and overall visual appeal further. He expressed hope that the Roads and Highways Department would adopt a more diligent approach.
Palash, native to the Indian subcontinent, thrives in Bangladesh, particularly in spring. It is also found in West Bengal’s Birbhum and Purulia districts and in Bangalore, India. The flowers vary in colour from red and reddish-orange to yellow and white. Besides their aesthetic appeal, Palash trees have multiple medicinal uses: their bark, leaves, and seeds are used to treat joint pain, skin diseases, fever, diarrhoea, and diabetes. The tree’s vibrant red blossoms have inspired poets and artists for centuries, appearing in works by Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore.
On the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway, the flowering Palash medians offer more than mere decoration—they provide commuters with a seasonal feast for the senses, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage and creating a memorable experience for all who pass.