The natural beauty of Bangladesh has immense potential in the tourism sector. From the longest beaches to the mangrove forests in the south, it has become one of the main points of interest for tourists.
But due to the lack of integrated planning by those involved in the tourism industry, including the forest department, Sundarbans-centric tourism is repeatedly stumbling. Experts are afraid of damage to the tourism sector.
Sundarbans is unique from other tourist destinations in the world due to its abundance of biodiversity. The name of the Royal Bengal Tiger is closely associated with the Sundarbans.
There are also many species of animals including birds, giraffes, crocodiles, dolphins. Therefore Sundarbans can become a place of entertainment and research for domestic and foreign tourists at the same time.
Environmentalists say that if the tourism sector can be well controlled or managed then it will become a huge potential sector.
Apart from this, even if the tourist-centric aesthetic boats in the Sundarbans are operated in a controlled manner, they will play a role in the tourism industry.
Chairman of Save the Sundarban Foundation Sheikh Faridul Islam said that there is a huge potential for eco-friendly tourism industry centered on the Sundarbans which will develop country's economy. On the other hand, there will be employment opportunities for a large number of people involved in this industry. However, forest protection must be ensured and Sundarbans travel rules must be strictly followed. If not, the tourism industry of Sundarbans will suffer severely due to lack of proper planning.
He also said that the free movement of wildlife should be ensured and tourists should travel to the Sundarbans in a planned manner.
He said that the environment of Sundarbans is very sensitive, so skilled human resources are needed for ecotourism here. The Forest Department feels that tourism related initiatives are needed to create this.
But due to the lack of proper management, tourism-centric economy and social development is being disrupted.
Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Environment Movement Nur Alam Sheikh tourism industry should be developed by protecting the biodiversity of Sundarbans, the lungs of Bangladesh. The villages around the Sundarbans should be turned into ecotourism centers.
Apart from this, a sustainable plan should be adopted so that the tourists who enter the Sundarbans do not harm the wildlife, do not pollute the Sundarbans with plastic, and the government should give special importance to this matter.
However, the lack of tourist-friendly infrastructure in the tourist areas of the Sundarbans and the long process of obtaining permits are hampering ecotourism. The Forest Department said the travel policy was formulated in 2014. In the light of which the work of increasing new tourist spots is going on.
East Sundarbans Karamjal Tourism and Wildlife Breeding Center officer- in- charge Azad Kabir said that according to the travel policy of 2014, several tourist spots have been increased in Sundarbans.
Besides, initiatives have been taken to increase some other tourist spots. At present Sundarbans has 11 tourist spots in East and West division. Tourists coming to Sundarbans are enjoying the nature by going there. The forest guards have been trained several times to protect the environment and serve the tourists safely.
