Sundarbans, world’s largest mangrove forest, is abuzz with footsteps of a large number of tourists – both local and foreign – due its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. After three months of closure, Sundarbans opened to tourists on September 1. The mangrove forest was off-limits to tourists from June 1 to August 31 by the Forest Department to ensure the breeding of 375 species of wild animals and 291 species of fish, including the Bengal tiger and deer. According to the Forest Department, at present, 114 Royal Bengal tigers, 375 species of wildlife including 200,000 deer, 334 species of plants including Sundari, 165 species of algae, 13 species of orchids, and 300 species of birds call the Sundarbans home. Fence to be erected in parts of Sundarbans to tackle human-tiger conflicts Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim, forest officer of Sundarbans East zone, said a total of 4,908 local and 72 foreign tourists have visited the Sundarbans since it reopened till September 26. Last year, the number of local tourists was 2,332 and foreign tourists were seven in the 26 days of September. Md Saiful Islam, director of Sundari Eco Resort, said an eco village has been set up in Dhangmari, and they are working on developing community-based tourism. Sundarbans reopens to tourists, foresters after three-month closure “We have provided employment to hundreds of locals, and the local stakeholders are also being benefited through this,” he said. “This month, we have provided services to 34 tourists from China, Germany, Japan, Poland and India and the visitors felt delighted to visit the village, wearing local attire,” he added. Abu Foysal Mohammad Sayem Babu, director of Holidays Tours and Travels, said, “The Sundarbans has become the biggest attraction for foreign travellers, and keeping that in mind we are providing services to tourists through modern and luxurious cruise ships.” Deer poaching in Sundarbans rising at alarming rate amid lax monitoring He also claimed that the number of tourists in the Sundarbans will see further increase if the government lowers the travel fee for foreign travellers. A Japanese tourist, currently in the Sundarbans, said, “After hearing the story of the Sundarbans, I came here, at the Sundari Eco Resort. I did not expect to see such a charming village.” Azad Kabir, in-charge of Karamjal Tourist and Wild Animal Breeding Center, said that hundreds of tourists have visited the main attractions in the Sundarbans, and were overwhelmed by the scenic beauty.

A three-month ban on fishing and tourism in  the Sundarbans will start from June 1 to ensure safe breeding and movement of fish and wild animals. Movement of all types of vessels including boats, fishing trawlers in the rivers and canals as well as the entry of fishermen and honey collectors will remain suspended from June 1 to August 31. No local for foreign tourists will be allowed to enter the forest during the period. According to the Forest Department, 251 species of fish release eggs during this monsoon and so fishing will not allowed  in the forest. Read more: Environment Minister for measures to stop deer hunting in Sundarbans Besides, the ban will be applicable for safe breeding of 315 species of birds, 35 species of reptiles and 42 types of mammals. The authorities think the breeding by the fish and different species of animals will be obstructed due to sound of operating water vehicles in the water bodies. No tourists will be allowed to visit the country’s lone wildlife breeding center ‘Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Center’ and 11 other tourist spots. Hawlader Azad Kabir, in-charge of the breeding center, said ignoring the matter of revenue earning the government took the ban initiative to increase beautification of the forest and ensure safe breeding of fish and animals. Read more: Tourists can’t carry single-use plastics in Sundarbans: Environment Minister He said tough action will be taken if the restriction is ignored.

Bandarban district administration has further extended the temporary ban on tourism in Ruma, Rowangchhari, and Thanchi upazilas till December 11 as part of the safety measures for tourists. A public notice in this regard was issued on Saturday, signed by Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Yeasmin Tibriji. The ban on tourism in three upazilas has been extended upon receiving a letter from Bandarban Cantonment. This is the tenth consecutive time that such restriction has been extended for the safety of tourists amid an anti-militancy drive in the district's remote areas. On November 27, the ban on tourism in Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas was extended till today. Earlier, the local administration lifted the restriction from Alikadam upazila and Thanchi upazila on November 12 and November 16, respectively. The administration imposed a temporary restriction on visitors in Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas on October 18. Later on October 23, the local administration discouraged tourists from traveling to Thanchi and Alikadam upazilas due to the same reason. From October 10, law enforcement agencies started a joint drive against the underground extremists and criminals in the district.

Bandarban district administration has further extended the temporary ban on tourism in Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas till November 20 as part of high security measures. A public notice in this regard was issued from Bandarban Deputy Commissioner’s office on Wednesday upon receiving a letter from Bandarban Cantonment. Meanwhile, the travel ban on Thanchi upazila has been lifted, it added. Read more: Bandarban: Ban on tourism in 3 upazilas extended till Nov 16 Taking into consideration the safety of tourists, the travel ban on domestic and foreign tourists has been extended in the two upazilas, said the notice signed by Yasmin Parvin Tibriji, Bandarban Deputy Commissioner. This is the seventh time that such restriction has been extended for the safety of tourists amid anti-militancy drive in the district's remote forested areas. On November 12, the ban on tourism in the three upazilas was extended till today. On November 8, the restriction was lifted from Alikadam upazila. Read more: Tourists leaving Bandarban amid security drive to remove suspected militants, criminals The administration imposed the temporary restriction on visitors in Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas on October 18. Later on October 23, the local administration discouraged tourists from traveling to Thanchi and Alikadam upazilas due to the same reason. From October 10, law enforcement agencies started a joint drive against the underground extremists and criminals in the district.