[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Tourism

[Saif]

Unilever Bangladesh, Kewkradong Bangladesh organise coastal cleanup at Saint Martin's Island

Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), partnered with Kewkradong Bangladesh (KB) to conduct a Coastal Cleanup at Saint Martin's Island. 350 volunteers removed 1,500 kilograms of marine debris from the island’s beach and ensured safe disposal on the mainland. The predominant types of debris inclu

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Unilever Bangladesh, Kewkradong Bangladesh organise coastal cleanup at Saint Martin's Island
FE Online Desk
Published :
Dec 22, 2024 20:42
Updated :
Dec 22, 2024 20:42

Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), partnered with Kewkradong Bangladesh (KB) to conduct a Coastal Cleanup at Saint Martin's Island.

350 volunteers removed 1,500 kilograms of marine debris from the island’s beach and ensured safe disposal on the mainland. The predominant types of debris included food wrappers, plastic beverage bottles, bottle caps, plastic bags, utensils, and lids, according to a media release.

Kewkradong Bangladesh (KB), Bangladesh’s Country Coordinator of the US-based non-profit Ocean Conservancy, has been conducting beach cleanups at Saint Martin’s Island for the past 13 years. The organisation has been associated with cleanup programmes along the Cox's Bazar - Teknaf peninsula and St. Martin's Island. These initiatives contributed to the collection of data on marine debris for the global record and analysis.

This year, the initiative gained new momentum with the involvement of UBL, continuing the significant efforts that have mobilized over 5,700 volunteers and removed more than 28,500 kilograms of marine debris from the island’s shores, the release says.

Shamima Akhter, Director - Corporate Affairs, Partnerships & Communications, Unilever Bangladesh Limited, said, "Since 2020, Unilever Bangladesh has been dedicated to fulfilling its commitment to plastic sustainability through various initiatives. Since 2022, we have been collecting and processing more plastic than we sell in Bangladesh. However, we recognize that plastic waste pollution is too large of an issue for us to tackle alone. We must collaborate to design scalable systems and interventions that will reduce our environmental footprints and protect vulnerable ecosystems, such as St. Martin's Island. This year, the St. Martin Coastal Cleanup, in partnership with Kewkradong Bangladesh, engaged youth volunteers and the local community to foster a sense of shared responsibility and demonstrate our commitment to improving the ecosystem."

Muntasir Mamun, Country co-coordinator, Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, said, “It is a wonderful thing that Bangladesh is the biggest delta on Earth and has incredible sea beaches in various locations. Saint Martin is one of the national treasures of this country. However, evolving socioeconomic challenges are consistently creating a threat to the biodiversity of the beautiful island and the seashore. We believe Unilever’s proactive environmental stewardship will reach a new height as together, our partnership will inspire others to do what’s good for Bangladesh.”​

 

[Saif]

Thousands flock to Cox’s Bazar to witness the final sunset of 2024

The beaches and other tourist hotspots in Cox's Bazar are bustling with visitors

www.thedailystar.net

Thousands flock to Cox’s Bazar to witness the final sunset of 2024

Visitors at Sugandha beach in Cox's Bazar bid adieu to the passing year with the last sunset of 2024. Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik

Cox's Bazar's place as the favoured destination for tourists during the year-end holidays has held true this year as well, with thousands of visitors already arriving in the beach town to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the new year.

Although 31st night celebrations in public spaces have been suspended since the Rohingya influx in 2017, the allure of watching the last sunset of the year continues to draw increasing crowds annually.

The beaches and other tourist hotspots in Cox's Bazar are bustling with visitors. Despite the festive atmosphere, local authorities have implemented strict security measures, including checkpoints at key intersections, to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

Tanveer Hossain, executive magistrate (Tourism Cell) of the Cox's Bazar District Administration, said that open-air events on the beach are not permitted due to concerns about law and order. This decision was finalised during a district administration meeting on December 24. However, tourists are allowed to enjoy the beach until midnight to celebrate the new year in their own way.

To maintain security and manage traffic congestion, several teams of mobile courts, led by executive magistrates, will be deployed throughout the town.

While no public events are being held, several hotels have received permission to organise private, colourful celebrations for their guests. Abul Kashem Sikdar, president of the Cox's Bazar Hotel Guest House Owners Association, said that more than 500 hotels, resorts, guest houses, and cottages in the area are fully booked. These establishments, which can accommodate up to 140,000 guests daily, are now hosting more people than their official capacity. It is common for 5-7 individuals to share a single room during this peak period, a situation that is expected to persist until December 31.

According to Sikdar, the influx of tourists began around December 13, coinciding with the end of school examinations.

Some tourists have raised concerns about rising accommodation costs.

Anisur Rahman, a businessman from Chawbazar in old Dhaka who visits Cox's Bazar annually, said that room rates are at least 25 percent higher than last year.​

 

[Saif]

Saint Martin’s businesses seek shorter travel ban

All tourist vessels to Saint Martin’s island will cease operations from the start of February, with travel to the country’s only coral island prohibited from February to October as per government directives.

www.thedailystar.net

Saint Martin’s businesses seek shorter travel ban

All tourist vessels to Saint Martin's island will cease operations from the start of February, with travel to the country's only coral island prohibited from February to October as per government directives.

The decision, announced in October last year, sparked concerns among local businesses, who are dependent on tourism for their livelihoods.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change restricted tourist visits to just three months of the year -- November, December, and January -- in order to reduce pollution and protect the island's environment and biodiversity.

Previously, tourist vessels operated from October to March, leaving the island residents to contend with severe financial strains due to the shortened season.

As such, they have been urging the authorities to extend the tourism period until the end of February to mitigate financial losses.

Nilufa Yasmin Chowdhury, convener of the committee regulating tourism to Saint Martin's Island and upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) of Cox's Bazar Sadar, confirmed the government's decision.

"As per directives, tourists can visit Saint Martin's until January 31. After that, all tourist vessels will stop operating," she said, adding that no further instructions had been received regarding an extension.

MA Rahim Jihadi, president of the Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners' Association of the island, lamented the decision.

"This is an unprecedented crisis for the island. If tourists are barred, thousands of people who rely on tourism will suffer."

Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh, urged the government to reconsider.

"At least keep Saint Martin's open to tourists for February. This will help mitigate the financial losses faced by the island's residents and businesses," he said.

Taiub Ullah, owner of St Martin Mermaid Resort, said, "It is impossible for the people on Saint Martin's to survive for 10 months of the year with just two months of income. We urge the government to keep the island open until February."

He added that tourism would naturally decline in March due to Ramadan.

Tourist travel to Saint Martin's resumed on December 1 from the BIWTA jetty at Nuniachhara in Cox's Bazar, with six vessels currently operating on the Cox's Bazar-Saint Martin's route.

In previous years, tourist vessels operated from October to March, with services suspended during the monsoon due to rough seas.

However, new restrictions have also imposed limits on overnight stays -- banning them outright in November and capping them at 2,000 tourists per night in December and January.

Starting February, all tourist visits will be banned.

Previously, tourist ships also operated from Teknaf, but sediment accumulation in the Naf River and border skirmishes in Myanmar have halted vessel operations along that route.

With the ban set to take effect from February, business owners and residents are anxiously awaiting a government response to their appeals for an extension.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade/national-zoo-to-be-modernized-for-visitors-farida

National Zoo to be modernized for visitors: Farida
BSS
Published :
Jan 29, 2025 23:26
Updated :
Jan 29, 2025 23:26

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter on Wednesday said that the Bangladesh National Zoo will be modernized for the people.

"Bangladesh National Zoo will be modernised for the people. The master plan for the development of the zoo will be implemented in phases," she said at a meeting on current status and future plans of Bangladesh National Zoo" at the Interpretation Center on Zoo premises in city's Mirpur area as the chief
guest.

The adviser asked the authority concerned to make necessary arrangements on the construction of walls for zoo security, resolving the shortage of manpower and other related issues.

She urged the Zoo officials concerned to record detailed descriptions of each animal at the tourist spot for the convenience of the visitors.

With Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Dr Md Abu Sufian in the chair, the meeting was attended, among others, by Bangladesh National Zoo Director Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Talukder, Director of the Department of Livestock Services Dr A B M Khaleduzzaman, Director of the Department of Livestock Services Zeenat Sultana and Poultry Geneticist Bibek Chandra Roy.​

 

[Saif]

St Martin’s Island: 9-month travel ban starts today

Tourism at Saint Martin’s Island in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar comes to a halt from today as the government’s ban on tourist travel takes effect.

www.thedailystar.net

St Martin’s Island: 9-month travel ban starts today

Photo: Asifur Rahman/Star

Tourism at Saint Martin's Island in Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar comes to a halt from today as the government's ban on tourist travel takes effect.

The island will remain closed to visitors until November when the next tourism season begins.

Despite repeated appeals from islanders to extend the season until the end of February, the government did not respond to their requests.

Authorities had announced in October last year that all tourist travel to St Martin's would be prohibited from February to October to protect the island's ecosystem.

Photo: Asifur Rahman/Star

Tourism had already been restricted to November, December, and January under directives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

Previously, tourist vessels operated from October to March, but the revised schedule has caused financial strain on local residents who depend on tourism for their livelihoods.

Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh, confirmed that the six ships ferrying tourists were returning from the island today.

"No tourist vessels will operate from tomorrow [today]," he told The Daily Star this evening.

He added that a writ petition regarding tourism on the island is scheduled for a hearing on February 4.

"We are waiting for the court's decision," he said, urging the government to reconsider the ban and allow tourism to continue in February.

Imran Hossain Sajib, additional district magistrate of Cox's Bazar, confirmed that no tourist ships would be allowed to operate from today as per the government's directive.

"We have not received any further instructions regarding tourism on St Martin's," he said.

Taiub Ullah, owner of Mermaid Resort, St Martin's said the restriction would cause severe financial hardship for businesses on the island.

Tourist services had resumed on December 1, with six vessels operating from the BIWTA jetty at Nuniachhara in Cox's Bazar.

Previous restrictions banned overnight stays in November and limited them to 2,000 tourists per night in December and January. The new measures now impose a complete tourism ban from February onward.

With the ban now in effect, residents and business owners remain hopeful for a reconsideration of the decision, as they await the outcome of the court hearing on February 4.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/restriction-on-tourism-in-rangamati-sajek-lifted

Restriction on tourism in Rangamati Sajek lifted
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Feb 25, 2025 23:00
Updated :
Feb 25, 2025 23:00

The Rangamati district administration has lifted the restriction on tourism one day after the massive fire that engulfed nearly 100 resorts, restaurants and houses in Sajek Valley, a popular tourist destination in Rangamati’s Baghaichhari upazila, on Tuesday.

Shirin Akter, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Baghaichhari, said the restriction which was imposed after the fire incident, was lifted on Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier on Monday, the local administration in Rangamati discouraged tourists from visiting the fire-ravaged Sajek Valley for safety reasons, reports UNB.

The decision was taken temporarily to ensure tourists’ safety following the devastating fire, said UNO.

Habib Ullah, deputy commissioner of Rangamati, said over 90-95 resorts, shops, cottages and dwelling houses were gutted down during the massive fire that broke out at Sajek Valley around 1 pm on Monday.

The local administration formed a committee to investigate the massive fire and asked the committee to submit its report within seven working days.​

 

[Saif]

Sajek fire a wake-up call for the tourism sector

There must be proper safety measures in all tourist destinations

www.thedailystar.net

Sajek fire a wake-up call for the tourism sector
There must be proper safety measures in all tourist destinations

VISUAL: STAR

Our hearts go out to the victims of the devastating fire that swept through Rangamati's Sajek Valley, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. According to estimates given by the district administration, the fire—which broke out around 1:00pm on Monday—gutted about 98 establishments including 36 resorts and cottages, 35 houses, 20 stationary shops, and seven restaurants. Business owners estimate the total damage to be around Tk 100 crore, including Tk 30 crore lost in tourism-related destruction alone. While the scale of the fire has caught many by surprise, preliminary investigations reveal glaring lapses that make such a tragedy seem all but inevitable.

According to a report by Prothom Alo, the fire, which burned uncontrollably for hours, was exacerbated by the lack of a fire station nearby. By the time fire service units from Dighinala, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and other far-flung areas arrived, the damage was already extensive. The water crisis in Sajek also hampered firefighting efforts by locals. There were other factors responsible for the devastation. For example, most structures in Sajek are built of wood and bamboo, making them highly flammable. The uncontrolled expansion of resorts and cottages without proper regulations also created a densely packed environment where fire could easily spread. Moreover, none of Sajek's estimated 126 resorts and cottages had fire extinguishers, nor had there ever been a fire drill in the area.

How could such a popular spot develop without having any fire safety measure in place? Why didn't the local administration and fire service department enforce necessary measures, even after similar fires broke out in Sajek in 2017, 2021, and 2023? While the lack of fire and building safety is a threat that extends to all of Bangladesh—especially urban and industrial settings where fire incidents are a common occurrence—the Sajek episode should serve as a wake-up call for the tourism authorities and entrepreneurs. We need sustainable tourism that prioritises safety, not unplanned expansion that compromises it.

The question is, how could such a popular spot develop without having any fire safety measure in place? Why didn't the local administration and fire service department enforce necessary measures, even after similar fires broke out in Sajek in 2017, 2021, and 2023? While the lack of fire and building safety is a threat that extends to all of Bangladesh—especially urban and industrial settings where fire incidents are a common occurrence—the Sajek episode should serve as a wake-up call for the tourism authorities and entrepreneurs. We need sustainable tourism that prioritises safety, not unplanned expansion that compromises it.

The immediate priority, however, is to ensure the victims are properly compensated and helped in rebuilding efforts. At the same time, steps must be taken to prevent fires in the future. The establishment of a fire station in Sajek or nearby areas has become crucial. Also, given the water shortage in hilly regions, every resort and cottage there should be mandated to have fire extinguishers and other essential firefighting equipment. All this must be done as part of a strict regulatory framework for tourism infrastructure development.​

 

[Saif]

Cox’s Bazar hotels offer huge discount in Ramadan

However, as Ramadan began on Sunday, the hotels and guest houses of Cox’s Bazar started to get deserted.

en.prothomalo.com

Cox’s Bazar hotels offer huge discount in Ramadan
Abdul Kuddus
Published: 06 Mar 2025, 08: 37

Hotels and motels of Cox’s Bazar are offering special discounts in the holy month of Ramadan.

Cox’s Bazar sea beach, one of the most popular tourist attractions of the country, was teeming with thousands of tourists last Thursday and Friday. All hotels and guest houses were fully occupied on the weekend.

However, as Ramadan began on Sunday, the hotels and guest houses of Cox’s Bazar started to get deserted. The impact of the month of fasting is so much so that 95 per cent of over 500 hotels, guest houses and resorts are lying vacant. At least 40,000 hotel and restaurant employees have also gone on vacation.

To attract tourists during the month of Ramadan, the hotel authorities in Cox's Bazar have announced a maximum 70 per cent discount on room rent. That is, the rent for an air-conditioned room that is Tk 2,000 in normal time has been slashed to only Tk 600.

Even a special arrangement has been made to spend the night free of charge for the people who cannot afford to stay in a hotel. Hoteliers think those who have not been able to visit the Cox's Bazar beach and other tourist attractions in the district due to additional expenses can take advantage of this special discount during the month of Ramadan.

Mukim Khan, general secretary of Kolatoli Hotel Resort Owners Association, told Prothom Alo that more than 4,000 tourists visited Cox’s Bazar on Sunday, the first day of Ramadan.

Hotels are offering up to 70 per cent discount on room rent. Arrangements are there to stay at hotels for free for the tourists with financial crisis. The special discount will remain in place till Eid day. Over 500 hotels and restaurants are retentive of 187,000 tourists.

95 pc room vacant, renovation underway

The seven-story Rain View Resort in Kalatali has 51 rooms. Only four rooms were occupied on Sunday. The adjacent Hotel Cox International has 25 rooms. There were guests in only one room while 24 were vacant.
Nazim Uddin, owner of the Shahjadi Resort at Dolphin Crossing, said 43 out of 45 rooms of his resort are vacant. The hotels remain vacant during the month of Ramadan every year. However, the announcement of this special discount may bring some tourists.

Nazim said his resort is offering up to 70 per cent discount on room rent to attract tourists.

The hotel owners said that at least 2.1 million tourists came to the beach in November and December last year. During this time, the hotel rooms were fully occupied. Some 6-7 million tourists arrived in January and February of this year.

Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox's Bazar Hotel and Guesthouse Owners Association, said that a maximum discount of 70 per cent is being offered. At least 99 per cent of restaurants in Cox's Bazar remain shut during the month of Ramadan. Most hotel, guesthouse and cottage employees are also sent on compulsory leave. Already, 30-40 thousand employees have gone on leave. The hotels are being kept open with the remaining 10-15 thousand employees. Renovation and painting work is underway at some hotels. However, several hotels and restaurants have arranged for Sahri and Iftar for tourists.​