Prospect for expanding tourism in Khulna bright

Prospects of expanding, flourishing and promoting the tourism sector in Khulna division are very bright as it has historical, archeological and world famous natural sites to attract the tourists from home and abroad.

Professor Anwarul Kadir, Executive Director of Sundarban Academy, said the Khulna division is enriched with history, culture, world famous natural sites and archaeology.

“Tourists from home and abroad increase in the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, as the environment and forest ministry has taken massive initiatives including infrastructural development and creating pollution-and-sound-free atmosphere for tourists,” he said.

There are also some excellent natural sites situated in Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Jashore and Kustia, he added.

World famous natural mangrove forest Sundarbans ranges in three districts — Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira.

Tourists usually go to Hiron Point, Katka Beach, Dublar Char, Madarbaria Beach, Dimerchar, Alorkol, Karamjal Eco-Tourism Center and Shibsa River Estuary to visit natural beauty of Sundarbans.

In Bagerhat, there are Sixty Dome Mosque (Shat Gombuj Masjid), a 15th century architectural site, Khan Jahan Ali’s Tomb Complex, a historical landmark of the medieval period, nine Dome Mosque, an ancient mosque with a unique design, Ronobijoypur Mosque, featuring the largest dome in Bangladesh, Chunakhola Mosque, a well-preserved terracotta mosque from the 15th century, Mongla Port, the second largest seaport in Bangladesh and Rupsha (Khanjahan Ali) Bridge, a modern engineering marvel connecting Khulna with Mongla.

There are many cultural and archaeological heritage situated in Khulna division. Rabindra complex at Daxindhi, Tagore’s in-law’s residence, now a museum, Pithabhogue of Rupsha in Khulna, ancestral home of Tagore’s, Rupsha Zamidar Bari, Paikgachha Rajbari, Lalon Shah’s Shrine and Shilaidah Kuthibari in Kustia, Khulna divisional museum, Jahanabad Cantonment museum, Khulna Shipyard, Gallamari War Cemetery are among the top tourists destinations.

Khulna is also famous for shrimp, Sundarban’s honey, and traditional ‘Chuijhal’, a special type of chili, watermelon, dragon fruits, strawberry and Bengal goat. ‘Bharat Bhayna’, an archeological site in Jashore draws huge tourists.

While talking to BSS, M Nazmul Azam David, Secretary of the Tour Operator Association of Sundarbans said tourism can bolster the economic condition of the region.

He said it will be possible to earn millions of revenue from the tourism sector if international standard hotels and motels are established in the region with improving communication and security measures.

David underscored the need for establishing pontoons, wood made jetties with stairs inside tourist spots of Sundarbans, saying tourists have increased here as eco-friendly resorts are established at the banks of different rivers inside the Sundarbans recently.

Average 90 percent pollution due to plastic and garbage has reduced for initiatives by the forest department, he said.

He also demanded a separate cell for tourism, urging strengthened community based tourism to ensure an eco-friendly atmosphere.

Lovely Yasmin, regional director of the Archaeological Department of Khulna and Barisal Division, said there are 123 archeological sites, including 89 in Khulna Division.

“We have taken initiatives to organize exhibitions in educational institutions for the first time to motivate students and build cultural mindsets to visit, and preserve historical heritage and archeological sites,” she said. (BSS)