Overnight stays in Sundarbans to be suspended
- Tourism businesses face uncertainty
- Allegations of conspiracy to destroy tourism sector
File Photo
Jahangir Alam took out a loan to build a tourist boat. He had hoped to repay the loan by operating the vessel. However, news of a decision to suspend permits for three-day trips and overnight stays in the Sundarbans through the Satkhira Range for an indefinite period has left him worried. Like him, other boat owners, operators, workers and tour guides are also facing uncertainty.
Discussions about the decision began following the recovery of the body of tourist Riaz Ahmed, who went missing. Riaz, a resident of Bhaluka in Mymensingh, went missing while visiting the Sundarbans on November 6. His body was recovered from Matharkhal in Alorkol on the night of November 8. Following the incident, discussions about suspending three-day permits took place at meetings held at the Divisional Forest Officer’s office on November 8 and 9.
A Z M Hasanur Rahman, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Western Sundarbans, said a decision had been made to temporarily suspend permits for three-day trips using wooden boats from the Satkhira Range. However, one day permits will remain available as before. Preparations are underway to issue a circular on the matter. The suspension will remain in effect for an indefinite period. Discussions are also underway with senior officials.
Boat owner Jahangir Alam said, “I built a tourist boat by taking out a loan. If the three day permits are suspended, how will I repay the loan? We want the decision to be changed soon and these permits to be reinstated.”
Photo: A conversation with a boat operator at Nildumur Ferry Ghat
Zahirul Islam, a boat operator, was speaking at Nildumur Ferry Ghat on Tuesday morning. He said, “More than a hundred families depend on this boat for their livelihoods. If the permits are suspended, my family and I will be in trouble.”
Tourism businesses say “Satkhira’s attraction, the Sundarbans by road” is one of the district’s major tourism brands. They say the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Sundarbans through the Satkhira Range is different from that offered by other ranges. They allege that the move to suspend permits instead of strengthening safety measures following an accident is a conspiracy to destroy the tourism sector.
