Editorial
'Nijhum Deep' becomes a tourist spot
There are many more such areas awaiting our attention
One must congratulate all those connected with the project, the Bangladeshi sponsor as well as the Upa Zillah Parishad for developing the island as a tourism and entertainment spot. Although the start is modest, the idea behind the action must be commended. It has been the demand of the local inhabitants who saw the vast potential of the area that is of immense natural beauty on the coast of Bangladesh, as a tourist location. This will also accrue to the local council 25 percent of the earning from enterprise.
And this brings us to the very topical and important issue of tourism in Bangladesh. There are many such areas like 'Nijhum Deep' that can be and should be developed urgently as a tourist spot. What we tend to overlook is the fact that apart from serving the needs of tourists, both internal and foreign, this sector as an industry will help improve the socio-economic condition of the local people.
The vast potential for tourism that Bangladesh holds has, regrettably, not been exploited fully. We have two of the worlds most scenic and beautiful natural spots. We have the longest sea beech and the largest mangrove forest in the world. Apart from the very diverse areas that can attract tourists, our geographical location puts it most suitably on the east-west air corridor linking it with South East Asia, another popular tourist destination.
Thus it needs no restating that our planners must get more deeply involved in integrating development of tourism in their parameters more intensely. There is a national tourism policy that was formulated in Feb 1972. It stemmed from the realisation that tourism in Bangladesh could add significantly to its economy. This sector was recognised as an industry that was to be given due importance in the annual development plan. Unfortunately such ideas have remained as lofty ideals till very recently, although there has been a spurt in this sector only recently that one notices.
Development of tourism involves concerted efforts of several ministries and agencies of the government. But above all it requires long term planning, of which we have never heard anything. Tourism in Bangladesh must be made tourist friendly. The potential for it to earn significant revenue, both from internal and foreign tourists should not be lost sight of. One wonders also whether for the sake of tourism in Bangladesh it would not be good idea to de-link the national tourism corporation from the ministry of civil aviation.
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