Tourism in Bangladesh

Tourism in Bangladesh is an industry of immense potentials. In recent years, this industry has emerged as a force having economic, social and cultural impact across the country. Bangladesh is bestowed with bounty of nature and immense beauty. Its captivating natural beauties attracted many travellers from far and wide through the ages.
The country is also heir to a rich cultural legacy. In two thousand and more years of its chequered history, many illustrious dynasties of kings and Sultan have rules and disappeared leaving their marks in the shape of magnificent cities and monuments, the desolate ruins that are still significantly visible in many place throughout the country.
Bangladesh is a combination of verdant forests, riverine countryside, and long stretches of sun-bathed beaches, fearsome wilds, meandering rivers and venerable shrines. Bordering the mighty Bay of Bengal stands this magical tapestry in green with all the glory of its past and the splendid colours of its natural present. An open invitation to tourists to relieve an age out of the history books as you stroll through the relics of Bangladesh's archaeological sites. Among the various archaeological sites and monuments the Buddhist relics are very significant, which are Paharpur- the single largest Buddhist Monastery in south of the Himalayas, Mahasthangarh-the oldest archaeological site, Mainamati- the seat of lost dynasties (Buddhist) etc. Paharapur located in Naogaon district is the most important and the widely known monastery has been excavated to a large portion.
The 8th century AD archaeological finds cover approximately an area of 27 acres of land. The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular court, measuring more than 900 ft and from 12 ft to 15 ft in height with elaborate gateway complex on the north, provides 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple of Paharpur profoundly influenced some other temples in Southeast Asia, especially Myanmar and Java.
A site museum houses the representative collection of objectives recovered from the area. The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi. The antiquities of the museum include terracotta plaque, image of different gods and goddesses, potteries, coins, inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects. It has also been declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
The world's longest unbroken beach (120 km) of Cox's Bazar is situated on a clean stretch comprising of miles of sands. With its water sports and towering cliffs, this place has been aptly described as the tourist capital of Bangladesh. Top of the list on any tourist's wildlife itinerary is a visit to the Sundarbans (world's single largest mangrove forest) to catch a rare glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger, in its natural habitat. Spread over 6000sq. km this riverine delta is criss-crossed by a network of rivers and creeks. Its dense tropical forest play home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and is every game lover's and anglers ideal heaven.
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh boasts of having some outstanding ancient monuments. Some of the more popular tourists destinations are Lalbagh Fort, built in 1678 AD. Sonargaon, the seat of Deva dynasty upto the 13th century, Ahsan Manjil, Husseni Dalan (a Shiite monument), the Satgambuz mosque (seven doomed mosque built in 1680 AD) and the Dhakeshwari Temple. Sonargaon, the ancient capital of this land, is not very far from the present capital. It beholds old palaces. A folklore museum situated in the area showcases the finest handicraft products made in this country.
The Hill districts in the south eastern region of the country commands an exotic view of natural beauty. Accessible by road from the port city of Chittagong, it is a tranquil heaven for nature lovers. Green hills and sprawling valleys are often dotted with waterfalls and small lakes. The unique lifestyle of the tribal people adds value to the romance of this paradise. With no sound and air pollution, these hilly districts can be the finest destinations for those wanting to get away from the time chasing modern urbanistic life and embrace a domain of tranquility.
Up in the north eastern part of Bangladesh in the region of Sylhet, the sprawling tea gardens offer a panoramic view. It is like a green carpet rolled out for miles and miles. For centuries, these tea gardens have been producing tea. The plucking of tea leaves by thousands of women in the waist-level thick tea bushes itself is a spectacular view. In the midst of the tea garden valleys, natural waterfalls make it more scenic. The Madhabkunda water fall is the most prominent one with tens of thousands of tourists visiting it every year.
Between Sylhet and Mymensingh in the north central part, huge water bodies dominate the landscapes which offer another opportunity for nature adventurers. Known locally as haor, these water bodies turn to safe heavens for millions of cold escaping migratory birds coming from as far as Siberia. Tanguar haor situated in the district of Sunamganj is known to be the biggest single water body in Asia.
Bangladesh is often called a land of mosques. It is obvious that with an over eighty per cent of the 140 million people being Muslims, there will be innumerable mosques. However, many of the mosques are ancient and reflect the taste and savoury of the early Muslim preachers and rulers.
The Shatgombuz mosque in Bagerhat near Khulna is unique with its sixty domes. The Atia mosque in Tangail near Dhaka is still vibrant with its archaic designs. The Star mosques in the capital Dhaka show the craze for beautification of holy places. The huge and magnificent national mosque - Baitul Mukarram- in the heart of Dhaka is an imposing architectural beauty.
Bangladesh is geographically at the connecting point of South Asian region bordering with mostly India and Myanmar and with close proximity to Bhutan and Nepal. Besides, Bangladesh is located between two geological regions- the Indo-Himalayan and the Indo-Malayan. This geographical location of Bangladesh contributes immensely to the promotion of tourism in the country. Bangladesh is one of the most diverse nations in the region having much potential for tourism development. The country also alone constitutes the largest deltaic formation of the world as three of the mighty rivers - the Padma, the Meghna, the Jamuna - flow through the landmass to reach the Bay of Bengal, making the area ideal for both eco-tourism and riverine tourism. The tranquil lifestyle of the inhabitants of the river-bank, isolated char lands, fauna and flora diversity are the prime products of the eco-tourism market in the world.
Bangladesh today is a country at the crossroads in global market. She is moving towards the 21st century while still maintaining a link with the past. Bangladesh is a country whose sights and sounds will delight a visitor and keep him returning again and again to this land in mosaic. Bernier, a French traveler in the seventeenth century aptly described as a place that "has a hundred gates open for entrance but not one for departure."
To achieve a consistent success from the tourism industry, Bangladesh has taken some commendable initiatives including creation of tourist accommodation and amusement facilities. Government of Bangladesh has recognized tourism as an industry and framed a new National Tourism Policy in 2010 for the development of domestic and international tourism in Bangladesh, which underlines diversification of tourism products, development of eco-tourism, overseas marketing of tourism attractions and human resource development. The Industrial Policy of 2005 has included tourism as a thrust sector. The government has also enacted 'Tourism Protected Area and Exclusive Tourist Zone' Law in 2012. This will help attract foreign investments in these ETZs. Apart from these, a Tourism Board has been formed in the same year with direct participation of private sector tourism stakeholders.
The government is committed to extend unflinching cooperation to the private sector for the promotion of tourism industry in Bangladesh. To encourage the private entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, the government has taken various initiatives including leasing out of some outlets of the national tourism organization to private sector on private management during the last several years. Foreign investors are also most welcome to invest in this sector. The investment may be either in the form of joint venture or on 100% foreign ownership basis. In order to encourage private and foreign investment the government is offering various incentives.
As Bangladesh is a young destination in the world tourism map and its attractions are still less trodden, it possesses a great potential to attract tourists from the world. It is striving hard to develop a planned and controlled tourism industry by maintaining quality and standard of tourism products and services.
Bangladesh is a land of many wonders. With a rich history, diversified culture and impeccable natural beauty, it deserves to be visited again and again. Along with the hospitality of the people, there are all necessary facilities available to make the travel across Bangladesh a memorable one. Bangladesh is always ready to welcome tourists in this land of virgin lush green and ancient civilization.