World Tourism Day: Infrastructure, visitor facility gaps hold back Sundarbans, Sixty Dome Mosque tourism
Despite its enormous potential, the Khulna region's tourism industry continues to lag because of inadequate infrastructure and a lack of tourist-friendly facilities.
With the Sundarbans and the historic Sixty Dome Mosque — both Unesco World Heritage Sites — along with numerous archaeological and heritage sites, planned development of the sector could open a new economic frontier for the country's south-western region.
Two of Bangladesh's three World Heritage Sites are located in Bagerhat. One is the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, and the other is the historic Sixty Dome Mosque, a remarkable example of Muslim architecture.
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Beyond these landmarks, hundreds of centuries-old mosques, monasteries, temples and archaeological sites are scattered across the district. Yet, despite such rich tourism assets, Bagerhat has not been able to attract visitors to its full potential.
The opening of the Padma Bridge has improved connectivity and brought more visitors to the region. Tourist destinations including Karamjal, Harbaria, Katka-Kachikhali and Dublar Char in the Sundarbans, as well as the Sixty Dome Mosque and the shrine of Khan Jahan Ali, now draw a steady flow of travellers.
However, shortcomings in transport connectivity, accommodation, quality food services, tourist transport and the conservation of historic structures continue to hold back the district's tourism industry.
People involved in the sector say Bagerhat could emerge as a much stronger tourism destination if planned initiatives and coordinated management are ensured.
Heritage sites remain neglected
The Department of Archaeology has recently identified another 163 archaeological sites in different parts of Bagerhat. Many of them, however, remain poorly maintained.
At some sites, cattle and goats roam inside and around historic structures, while clothes are seen drying on walls at others. Some buildings have also developed signs of structural damage and deterioration.
Tourists have shown interest in visiting sites such as the ancient Kodla Math in Jatrapur, the Kuthibari in Morelganj and the nearly 600-year-old Kalibari in Kachua.
But inadequate conservation and the absence of visitor-friendly facilities at many of these locations mean their tourism potential remains largely untapped.
Some facilities have been developed for visitors around the Sixty Dome Mosque, but stakeholders say they remain insufficient compared with demand.
A walkway has been built around Ghora Dighi, adjacent to the mosque, to make the area more attractive, while rest facilities have also been introduced for visitors.
Mohammad Barrister Zakir Hossain, administrator of the district council, said more publicity, promotional activities and tourist facilities are needed to move the sector forward.
Tourists call for better transport, hotels and food
Tanisha, a tourist visiting Bagerhat, said she enjoyed seeing the district's historic structures but faced difficulties travelling from one destination to another.
"There is not enough transport available to go from one place to another. Sometimes we have to hire vehicles at higher fares. Better communication and transport facilities are needed at the tourist destinations," she said.
Payel, who came from Brahmanbaria, said accommodation and food were among the key problems she faced during her visit.
"The number of good-quality residential hotels and food facilities needs to increase. It would also be helpful to have information centres and guides for tourists," she said.
Another tourist, Tagar from Tangail, said Bagerhat has many historic attractions, but conditions vary considerably from one tourist spot to another.
"Some places lack cleanliness, while others do not have enough seating or rest facilities. If these services are improved, tourists will be able to travel more comfortably," he said.
Md Zayed, custodian of the Department of Archaeology in Bagerhat, said facilities for tourists at the Sixty Dome Mosque have been expanded, although they are still inadequate compared with the number of visitors.
"If private entrepreneurs come forward to build hotels and motels, both tourists and local people will benefit," he said.
Visitors generally say Bagerhat has a large number of attractive destinations, but better accommodation, food services and transport links are needed.
One tourist who recently visited the district said, "Bagerhat has many beautiful and historic places. I particularly liked the Sixty Dome Mosque and the Sundarbans. But accommodation, food and transport to the tourist spots need to be improved. If these facilities are expanded, more people will come here."
Tourist Police step up security
The Tourist Police are also working to ensure the safety of visitors at major destinations across the district.
Officers regularly perform duties at the Sundarbans, the Sixty Dome Mosque and other attractions to help tourists travel safely.
Tourist Police Inspector Md Mostafa said, "Bagerhat has tremendous tourism potential. The Tourist Police are working regularly to ensure the safety of visitors. We are giving importance to making sure tourists can visit the attractions safely."
Sundarbans remains Bagerhat's biggest draw
The Sundarbans remains one of Bagerhat's biggest tourism attractions.
The forest is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, monkeys, monitor lizards and numerous other species. Its vegetation includes sundari, passur, gewa, goran, keora and golpata.
Its rivers and canals are also rich in aquatic biodiversity, including dolphins, crocodiles and numerous fish species.
Yet despite the extraordinary natural beauty and biodiversity of the Sundarbans, the Bagerhat part of the forest has also struggled to attract the desired number of tourists because of limitations in modern management and tourism facilities.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam said there is scope to bring the major tourist destinations under a single plan and develop a new tourism circuit.
He said the government is focusing on coordinated planning and public initiatives to transform this potential into greater economic activity.
Calls for an integrated tourism circuit
Stakeholders believe Bagerhat's tourism sector could enter a new phase if it secures better transport links, adequate accommodation and food services, dedicated tourist transport, proper conservation of archaeological sites, and improved tourism facilities centred on the Sundarbans.
With two World Heritage Sites, centuries of history and the extraordinary natural beauty of the Sundarbans, Bagerhat has vast tourism potential.
Harnessing that potential could not only promote the district's history and heritage at home and abroad, but also generate new employment opportunities and expand economic activity across the region.
