Tourism businesses in Sunamganj are bouncing back gradually after suffering significant losses for over two months due to three rounds of flood and political instability. Restrictions in several tourist areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts redirected tourists to Sunamganj’s famed Haor region, including Tanguar Haor and the Tahirpur border areas, providing a much-needed boost to local businesses. Houseboat owners said they suffered losses amounting to around Tk 50 crore during this period. Tour operators said they are now facing overwhelming demand, with all houseboats fully booked in advance. Travel ban hits tourism businesses in CHT hard Popular tourist destinations like Tanguar Haor, Shaheed Siraj Lake (Niladri), Shimul Garden, and the Jadukata River are now filled with visitors. Aziz Sarkar, a banker from Rajshahi, expressed his amazement after exploring the region for the first time. “The Tanguar Haor has amazed us greatly. We are overjoyed. We have never seen such large haor before. The diversity of the haor, especially the settlements on its shores, and how they survive and live, has left a mark on our minds,” said Aziz, who came with a group of 36 people, most of whom are bank employees. Tourist Mahbuba Rahman Sathi, a tourist from Dhaka, said, “We had been planning to visit Tanguar Haor for a long time. The weather is good now, so we came. Our group consists of 12 family members. Sylhet is always beautiful, but the haor is even more beautiful. We’ve been touring in a houseboat since morning. It feels great.” However, the region’s poor road infrastructures are challenge for visitors, said some tourists. Moulvibazar Travel Guide: Explore the Top Tourist Attractions “The road from Sunamganj to Tahirpur is in bad shape. Women and children, in particular, had a hard time getting here. These things stand as obstacles to the development of tourist areas,” said Manjurul Islam Soumik from Feni. He also raised concerns about the lack of visible tourist police and disconnected phone numbers listed on safety sign boards. Responding to these complaints, Habibur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of the Tourist Police in Sunamganj, explained that his mobile phone had been out of service due to damage but is now operational. “We have 8 members. The tourist police are working round the clock to ensure the safety of tourists,” he said. Arian Emon, CEO of Haimanti Houseboat, said, “We have incurred losses of around Tk 50 crore in the past two months. Currently, due to the restrictions in Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari tourists are coming to the Haor. All our boats are fully booked. Many are still trying to book. There’s now a festive atmosphere in the Haor,” he said. Trip to Tanguar Haor, Sunamganj: Majestic aquatic beauty soaking the horizon

A 25-year-old tourist drowned while swimming in the Piyain River near the zero point in Sylhet Jaflong on Saturday. The deceased, Ahmed Jawad, was the son of Dr Aftab Uddin and a resident of Nahar Road in Mymensingh. His body was recovered around 2:30 pm from an area near a waterfall. Sarkar Tofail, officer-in-charge of Gowainghat Police Station, confirmed the matter. 15-month-old girl drowns in Dinajpur pond According to police and local sources, Jawad was swimming with a group when he was swept away by the river's current. Friends and locals attempted to rescue him and rushed him to a nearby clinic, where he was pronounced dead by the attending physician. The body would be handed over to Jawad’s family following the completion of legal procedures, said the OC. Madrasha student drowns in Turag River  

Waterfalls are wonderful creations of Mother Nature. When crystal-clear water drastically flows from towering heights, its serene beauty enthralls all. Bangladesh is enriched with geographical diversity. Among the enchanting natural cascades in Bangladesh, Khoiyachora Waterfall is popular among travellers as the “queen of waterfalls” for its splendor. Let’s delve into a travel guide for Khaoiyachora Waterfall. History of Khoiyachora Waterfall The history of this great waterfall spans about 50 years. The area was densely forested and remote, making it challenging to discover. It is believed that the natural spring may have formed due to a mountain landslide. The region from Baraiadhala Block to Kunder Hat is currently known as Baratakia Block. In 2010, it was officially designated as a national park, covering 2933.61 hectares of hilly land. The waterfall was then recognized as a prominent natural feature. Locals commonly refer to this spring as Chatal. In 2017, the government initiated an eco-tourism development project to preserve this waterfall. The project covers the areas of Ramgarh, Sitakunda, and the Reserve Forest of Chattogram North Forest Division. Read more: Most Popular Cox’s Bazar Beaches Considering Scenic Beauty and Recreation Location of Khoiyachora Waterfall and Origin of Name Khoiyachora is the most renowned of the springs in the Mirsharai upazila of Chattogram division. It is situated to the north of Baratakia Bazar in the Khoiyachora part along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway. Just venture about 4.2 km eastward from this highway, and this waterfall will be visible.  As the fall is nestled deep within the mountains, no vehicle can reach its base directly. First, take a CNG autorickshaw from the Dhaka-Chittagong highway to the village adjacent to the fall. From there, the only way to reach the source of the spring is on foot. The waterfall takes its name, Khoiyachora, from the hill within the Khoiyachora union on which it is located. Read more: The Basecamp Bangladesh in Gazipur: Adventure and Outdoor Activities near Dhaka

Bangladesh being on the tropical spectrum of the climate, experiences a moderate winter season. Apart from the northern regions of the country, the mild winter season makes for a perfect time to go for a vacation and explore the diverse landscape of the country. With that said, here are the 8 top popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh for spending winter vacation.  Top Place to Visit in Bangladesh During Winter  Saint Martin’s Island  One of the prime attractions of winter travel is Saint Martin’s island. This Bea coral island is situated in the south of Bangladesh off the coast of Cox’s Bazar. The ship operation to St. Martin remains closed from April to October. It begins in early November and runs through March for the winter and spring seasons.  Every year, millions of tourists flock to the island to experience the serene landscape and the blue lagoon all around. Getting to St. Martin Island is also easy. There are direct bus services from Dhaka to Teknaf. From Teknaf, there is an abundance of ships and launches going to St. Martin. It takes about two and a half to three hours by ship to get to the island.  Read more: Bandarban Tourist Spots – Best Places to See and Craziest Things to Do To protect the biodiversity and environment of this coral island, the government of Bangladesh has taken some initiatives. Tourists are required to take permission before visiting this island. Make sure to take ample winter clothes as nights can get pretty cold. Take note of the tides to experience the unobstructed beach along the coast of the island.  Kuakata  Kuakata is famous for being the only place in Bangladesh where one can enjoy both sunrise and sunset. Often referred to as the “Daughter of the Sea”, Kuakata is comparatively less crowded than Cox’s Bazar during the peak travel season.  Read more: Best Places for Honeymoon in Bangladesh

A tourist was killed and seven others were injured when a ‘Chander Gari’( a vehicle that usually carries tourists) fell into a ditch while returning from Sajek on Friday. The deceased was identified as Fardin Hasan Bishal, 35, hailing from Dhaka's Shyampur. The identities of the injured could not be confirmed immediately. The accident occurred around 5pm when the Chander Gari reached Khasrang Hill Resort area from Sajek’s Konglak Hill, overturned and fell into a ditch, said Nurul Alam, officer-in-charge of Sajek Police Station. Later, a team of Bangladesh Army and police rescued the injured people and took them to Dighinala Upazila Health Complex for treatment, added the OC. The rescue operation is still going on till the filing of this report at 7:15pm.

Elena, a Romanian tourist, has always wanted to travel the world on a bike. She has so far visited 29 countries. Elena came to Satkhira on Monday from India and is now staying at a private organization ‘Rishilpi International’, at Binerpota in the district. Elena’s Italian friend Andreya came to Satkhira by bike one month ago and he is a donor of Rishilpi International. Also read: Satkhira journalist, earlier ‘picked up by law enforcers’, shown arrested. Besides, at the invitation of Elena and Andreya, their friend Elierio also came to Satkhira through Bhomra land port on Tuesday. Elena said, “I am a tourist and I have been traveling for the last three years, and have already visited 29 countries. I like Muslim countries and I love the culture of the country. I am now observing everything.”

One person was dead and seven were injured when a vehicle carrying tourists overturned on Cox’s Bazar Marine Drive around 10 pm on Friday (January 06, 2023). The deceased was identified as Momotaz Begum, 60, from old Dhaka’s Wari area. Quoting the survivors, Anwarul, officer-in-charge (OC) of Ramu police station, said the accident occurred when the driver of the vehicle — carrying 12 tourists, returning to Cox’s Bazar from Inani — lost control of the wheels. The vehicle overturned on Marine Drive near Himchari police station last night, leaving eight people, including the driver, injured.   Read More: Life insurance official cushed under train in Khilgaon The identities of the others injured could not be confirmed immediately but all the victims are relatives. On information, police with the help of locals rescued the victims and sent them to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital. Police also seized the vehicle and kept it at Himchari police station. “Momotaz Begum died on the way to the hospital. The injured are currently undergoing treatment and three of them are in critical condition”, the OC said. Read More: Narail boat capsize: Death toll climbs to 5.

A 52-year-old tourist died while taking bath at Sugandha point of the sea beach in Cox’s Bazar on Monday. The deceased was identified as Iqbal Hossain, 52 of Tongi in Gazipur district. Masud Billah, acting executive magistrate of Tourist Cell under the local administration, said Iqbal along with six other members of his family went to the beach area at noon. Read: Tourist dies after hot water shower at Cox's Bazar hotel At one stage, Iqbal fell unconscious while bathing in the sea. Later, workers of local administration rescued him and took him to Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

The weekend melding with Christmas falling on Sunday this year, translating to a 'long weekend', has brought life to the country's tourism sectors including Sajek Valley. At the same time, it has also brought suffering to the tourists who have gone to enjoy the scenic beauty of Sajek valley. Thousands of holidaymakers of all ages have thronged to the hill district to enjoy the beauty of Sajek at Bagaichhori in Rangamati. Resorts are experiencing a room crunch as more tourists enter Sajek - already almost double its capacity! As a result, many tourists are forced to spend the night in cars or in mosques and local clubs. Sultan Mia, 28, who came with his family from Mymensingh and Ashraf Ali, a tourist from Netrakona, said that they had come because of their children's holidays. But there is no room vacant in any hotel due to the overflow of tourists, leaving them in great trouble. Alfred Lusai, the owner of two Sajek resorts (Neel Pahari and Morning Star), said that rooms were booked almost a month before Christmas. Today, many tourists can't get even a single room which is really sad, he added. Read more: Jhum fire destroying reserved forest in Sajek According to Sajek Resort Owners Association, almost 7,000 tourists entered Sajek on Saturday. The valley's 112 cottages can accommodate only 4,000. Many of the tourists who came here did not have advance bookings. As a result, many tourists returned in the afternoon due to lack of rooms for overnight stay, sources added. Those who stayed are passing the night by renting rooms on the verandas of various cottages and in the homes of local residents. Subrata Chakma, manager of Khasrang Hill Resort, said that the inflow of tourists started on Wednesday. No rooms are available at any resort currently, he added. Read more: Visit Sajek Valley: Amazing Hilltop Cottages, Resorts, to Spend Your Vacation

A tourist was killed in a head-on collision between ‘Chander Gari’( a vehicle that usually carries tourists) and a motorcycle on his way back from  Sajek of Baghaichari Upazila in Rangamati.   The dead was identified as Hridoy, 30.  Details about him are yet to be known.  The accident occurred around 1:15 PM.   Officer-In-charge (OC) of Sajek Police Station Nurul Haque confirmed that the collision occurred in the Machalong area.  Read more: Tourist killed in Rangamati road accident After the accident, the seriously injured Hridoy was rescued and sent to Dighinala Upazila Health Complex with the help of locals.   He died while undergoing treatment there.   Jerry Lusai, General Secretary of Sajek Resort and Cottage Owners Association, said, they are struggling to keep up with the influx of tourists and additional traffic.   “Sajek's resorts and cottages are fully booked for the New Year”, he said.