The Gorai River, the largest distributary of the Ganges (known as the Padma in Bangladesh), constitutes one of the major catchments in the western part of Bangladesh. Despite its importance, the morphological changes and sediment characteristics of this river remain poorly understood. This study investigates the morphological characteristics of the Gorai River using satellite imagery data spanning 30 years (1989–2019). In addition, the textural characteristics and economic potential of riverine sands were analyzed. Satellite image analysis revealed a significant decrease in river width over the study period, resulting in marked morphological changes in the river system. From 1989 to 2019, approximately 3.06 km² of river area was lost. If this trend continues, the river may lose its existence in the near future. The Gorai River sands are moderately well sorted and predominantly medium-grained. The sediments were deposited through bedload transport processes involving rolling and suspension. These sands are rich in silica content and may be suitable for glass production after removal of heavy and accessory minerals. The Gorai River is a dynamic fluvial system that requires continuous dredging of mud, sand, and silt to maintain navigability. Considering the environmental impacts of dredging and the presence of valuable mineral sands in dredged materials, this study highlights the Gorai River catchment as a potential source of natural resources.