United News of Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the monsoon has already arrived. On some Days it rains heavily, while on other days incessant mizzles continue for several hours. Though a rainy day might be cumbersome for many, some people adore rain as a blessing of mother nature. Not to mention, rain allows for an escape from the hot and humid weather of the summer. During the monsoon, nature looks greener, more pure and utterly peaceful in Bangladesh. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, utilise this majestic misty weather to rediscover the natural beauty of the country. Here are some of the most amazing places in Bangladesh to travel during the monsoon season. Top Places to Visit in Bangladesh During Monsoon Season Ratargul Swamp Forest The Ratargul swamp forest is among the handful of freshwater swamp forests in the world. It is a protected natural area under the Department of Forestry of Bangladesh. The Ratargul swamp forest is situated 26 km away from downtown Sylhet in the Gowain River. During the monsoon season, the water from Assam floods the river which creates an intricate maze of micro rivers through the forest. Crisscrossing through the forest in a boat provides an ethereal experience with hundreds of local flora and fauna making the experience even more magical. Tourists can also go to the two adjoining haors – the Neoa Bil Haor and the Shimul Bil Haor which are an attraction of their own. Read Romantic Beach Honeymoon Destinations in Asia Coxs Bazar In recent years, Cox’s Bazar has become a tourist hub for all seasons. However, most of the tourists flock there in the winter season making it a packed tourist spot. The same isn’t true for the monsoon season though. Since the monsoon is practically off-season for Cox’s Bazar tourism, tourists can expect great deals and discounts on their stay. The experience of the seaside is out of this world during the rainy season. The misty clouds catch the water on the horizon. The roaring waves and winds make for an absolutely swiveling experience. This is definitely something one should experience at least once in their lifetime. Read Sky Dining Cox's Bazar: A New Frontier in Bangladesh's Food Industry Bichanakandi The list will not be complete if we don't mention Bichanakandi. This low-lying stream of water coming from the Seven Sisters of Meghalaya offers some of the most scintillating views of nature. The rocky pathway on both sides simply alleviates the overall ethereal feel of the place.

The achievement of sustainable development goals by 2030 will be jolted unless a vigorous growth of tourism in the country, said the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Monday. The FBCCI Standing Committee on Tourism Development (Inbound, Outbound, Domestic & Civil Aviation) stated this at its first meeting at its office here.   “At least 6 goals of the SDGs are directly and the rest are indirectly related to tourism. Therefore, if tourism is not flourished, the achievement of sustainable development goals by 2030 will be hampered,” the apex business association said. Also read: Any rise in power, gas tariff to be suicidal: FBCCISpeakers at the meeting, meanwhile, said some 109 sectors are directly and 1100 sub-sectors indirectly linked with the tourism industry. Every single tourist creates 10 direct and 35 indirect employment opportunities.“Therefore, tourism should be treated as a priority sector” they demanded.Tour operators urged the government to officially announce the country open for foreign tourists as the government declared for overseas businesspeople. Read Self-reliance in seed production essential for food security: FBCCIThey also demanded the resumption of the “on-arrival visa” facilities to encourage foreign tourists to come to Bangladesh.During the meeting, businesspeople called for issuing licenses to tour operators, recognizing them as exporters, easing the process of remitting money overseas, bringing tourist destinations under the tourism ministry, and ensuring security. Speaking at the meeting FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu said the tourism Industry lacks skilled manpower. The industry may hire experienced managers and other staff from Sri Lanka to deal with the problem. Also read: FBCCI President urges Canadian companies to invest in Bangladesh’s waste managementRecognizing the government's interest in the tourism sector Vice President MA Momen emphasized securing tourist spots.The coordination between public and private efforts has to be further enhanced, he added.Vice President Md. Amin Helaly called for developing the standard of hospitality services by undertaking skill development programs. Read FBCCI to boost business with MexicoFBCCI director Syed Moazzem Hossain said the sector must work on compliance, identifying tourism products and country branding as well as rationalizing hotel, motel, and resort fares.FBCCI Director Amzad Hussain informed the meeting that currently, the Tourism sector contributes 3.5 to 4 percent to the GDP. This contribution has to be raised to 10 percent. Therefore, a coordinated course of action has to be formulated and implemented accordingly.The former CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board Akhtaruz Zaman Khan said that the BTB should incorporate FBCCI representation to bring the private sector demand into consideration. Read Brand Bangladesh in a new way, FBCCI president urges entrepreneursThe Director in Charge of the standing committee M.G.R. Nasir Majumder assured that the FBCCI would continue to provide maximum assistance for the development of the tourism industry.The meeting was presided over by the chairman of the standing committee Taufiq Uddin Ahmed.Co-Chairman and the members of the committee, FBCCI Director Harun Or Rashid, and Secretary-General Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque were also present at the meeting. Read Abolish supplementary duty on locally-produced goods: FBCCI president

Are you feeling stressed over the tensions of the hectic urban life? Why don't you plan a vacation to spend some heavenly moments in Bakikka Beel - a place where birds are chirping, fishes are playing, and nature is offering limitless bounties to humankind. Baikka Beel is located about 1 sq-km away from the east side of Hail Haor, a large wetland spread over Moulvibazar, Sreemangal, and Bahubal Upazilas of Habiganj in Sylhet. On July 1, 2003, it was decided to preserve Baikka Beel as a fish sanctuary. The total area of Hail Haor is about 10 sq-km. It is also known as Lotapatar Haor to the locals due to its abundance of herbs and shrubs. Let’s get to know the details about this aesthetic aquatic landscape. The specialty of Baikka Beel of Hail Haor After originating from Bilaschhora upstream, Gopla River bifurcates into the Hail Haor and joins the upper reaches of the Meghna through the Bijna River downstream. If you are a true haor lover then you must come to Hail Haor and Baikka Beel. Here you can watch some priceless moments with nature. The shepherds are returning home with their cows under the red sky in the red sunlight in the late afternoon. Fishermen are floating boats on the shore. A group of fishermen is walking on the way to the village market with fish baskets on their oars. The boundless flight of flocks of birds in the distant sky. The beauty of Haor has got a new dimension by the chirping of domestic and foreign birds. A wonderful twilight glow spreads all over the Haor. Read Nikli Haor, Mithamoin-Astagram Road Trip: On the Way to Kishoreganj During the monsoon, Baikka Beel and Hail Haor appear in a mesmerizing fresh cherubic beauty. Everywhere you look, there is only blue water in sight. You can’t escape the urge to have the thrilling experience of boating on the swamp. The rustic sight of thousands of fishermen fishing around the waking up swamp in the dawn is very captivating. Surrounded by 14 swamps, this huge wetland is currently a habitat of about 77 species of fish. The number of exotic birds visiting here is increasing every year. Among the various species of local birds, the Kura bird is the main one. A two-story observation tower has been constructed near the Beel to facilitate the visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Beel and the lush green forest. Read Visit Saint Martin, Coral Island, Bangladesh: Piece of Paradise on Bay of Bengal The best time to visit Baikka Beel of Hail Haor Usually, the monsoon is the best time to visit the swamp area. But if you want to hear the chirping of thousands of different species of birds, you must go to Hail Haor and Baikka Beel between November and February. Moreover, towards the end of winter, you will see the newly blossoming lotus there. Dhaka to Baikka Beel of Hail Haor route You can reach Sreemangal by taking a Sylhet-bound bus from Fakirapul or Saidabad bus terminal in Dhaka. The rent will be BDT 300 to 400. Apart from this, you can commute to Sreemangal by intercity train from Komolapur railway station where the fare is BDT 115 to 75. Read The Most Beautiful Tea Gardens in Bangladesh to visit Arriving at Sreemangal, you have to take the Boruna-Hazipur paved road through Kalapur Bazar on the Sreemangal-Moulvibazar road in order to reach Hazipur Bazar. This market is known as Ghater Bazaar to the locals. Local autorickshaw fare up to Baruna Bazar is BDT 50 per person.

Bangladesh’s tourism will be hugely benefited with the plantation of one crore trees in the Mujib Year as it will boost the country’s greeneries, said State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mohammad Mahbub Ali on Tuesday.