Tourism Sector In Bangladesh

Tourism sector in Bangladesh
prepared by: HK Rocky
===================
Introduction:

During the post-Second World War era, tourism demand has rapidly increased and tourism has become a worldwide phenomenon. Not surprisingly, this post-war boom has drawn the attention of many developing countries, and tourism as one of the growing industries of the world economy has enticed many entrepreneurs and governments of various countries to invest in the tourism industry without proper planning and preparation (Cevat Tosun and Dallen J. Timothy, 2001).

Tourism is not associated with aristocracy. Today even ordinary persons can afford. With the passage of time, the tourism has become almost a part of our normal life. In the background of its growing popularity, tourism has become a mass phenomenon. It has grown to such dimensions that we consider it an important industry.

Tourism planning has been defined as a process based on research and evaluation, which seeks to optimize the potential contribution of tourism to human welfare and environmental quality (Tosun and Jenkins, 1998). Thus, tourism planning should relate tourism development to the more equitable distribution of wealth that is one of the main aims of national development planning. In this respect, tourism planning is a component of national development planning and strategy. Moreover, it includes a decision -making process between the tourism industry and other sectors of the economy, between various sub-national areas and between types of tourism.

It requires the integration of the tourism industry into other sectors such as agriculture, industry, transportation and social services (Timothy, 1999 Further, it is an effort to make possible harmony between the social interests and interests of tourist organizations. It is an approach to promote business, which feeds the organizations the necessary information for farming or revamping the marketing decisions. The tourisms marketing is thus promotion or sales based on research on what are to be sold in the market.

Dependence on laurels is not possible in the tourism marketing since the taste preferences of users change very firstly.

Tourism:

Although many of us have been "tourists" at some point in our lives, defining what tourism actually is can be difficult. Tourism is the activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business or other purposes.

Tourism is a dynamic and competitive industry that requires the ability to constantly adapt to customers' changing needs and desires, as the customer’s satisfaction, safety and enjoyment are particularly the focus of tourism businesses.

 Types:
Tourism encompasses:

Outbound Tourism:

Outbound tourism is what you may be most familiar with. It involves the business of people going from British Columbia to other provinces, territories or countries. For example, going to Hawaii in February is considered outbound tourism.

Inbound Tourism:

BC competes in a global market to attract tourists from the United States, Japan, Germany and many other countries. We also implement marketing campaigns aimed at attracting travellers from other parts of Canada. The tourists coming to BC from other places are called inbound tourists.

 Sectors:
The tourism industry is divided into five different sectors:

• Accommodation
• Food and Beverage Services
• Recreation and Entertainment  
• Transportation
• Travel Services

The diversity of these five sectors shows that the career options in the tourism industry are unlimited. Depending on your interests and skills, you can work indoors or out, nine to five or midnight to noon. You can work in an office, an airport or out of your home. You can have one career in the winter and another in the summer. In short, you can make your career fit the lifestyle you want.

 The users of Tourism Services: 

There are several users of tourist like rural tourists, urban tourists and international tourists. For the successful execution of marketing strategies for translating the strategies in to meaningful purposes, it is essential to have a detailed knowledge of users of services. Tourists coming from the rural areas are rural tourists whereas the tourists coming from urban areas are urban tourists. 

 The National Tourism Organization :

The principal channel of Government involvement in the tourism sector is the national tourism organization, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, which is a semi autonomous government agency reporting to the Ministry of civil Aviation and Tourism as its administrative Ministry. Importantly, the national airline Bi man Bangladesh Airlines, forms a separate division within the same Ministry, which allows integration and of tourism initiatives.   Many of BPC’s managerial matters are handling through the national Tourism Facilitation committee headed by the secretary of the ministry of Aviation and Tourism.  BPC was created on the 27^th November 1972 by order of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and commenced business in January 1973. It was established as a Corporation under the laws of the country with an authorized capital of Tk one crore (roughly US$ 1.3 million then) and initial share capital of Tk five lacs (roughly US$ 65,000 then). Under the law, additional loan or equity capital could be raised for carrying out the functions of the Corporation with government approval. It was evidently the intention of the drafters of the Order that BPC should be an autonomous corporation responsible to its shareholders as would be any other corporate entity in the country. 

Bangladesh Tourism Vision 2020:

BPC has come up with a study, which once again confirmed immense prospect of country's tourism.

The study Called 'Bangladesh Tourism Vision 2020' forecast that tourist arrivals to Bangladesh likely to exceed 1.30 million by 2020. If recommended actions are taken, WTO Tourism 2020 vision study forecasts average annual growth Rate of 6.10 per cent between 1995 and 2020 for south Asia and BPC's Bangladesh forecasts at least 500,000 visitor arrivals by 2020. According to recent trend in arrivals, the BPC study indicates average annual growth rate in tourist arrivals to Bangladesh would be much above the WTO estimates. "It is fairly realistic to forecast that total arrivals to Bangladesh would reach about 900,000 in 2020. Even, the number of tourists may exceed 1.30 million provided that the favorable market situation prevails".

The study-tourism vision 2020-determined that Bangladesh would cash in on the following critical factors.
1) A positive image will exist and prevail.
2) Political stability is firmly established.
3) Bangladesh will become a single destination like Maldives, Malaysia and Singapore.
4) Approximately 1.30 million tourist will visit Bangladesh each year following the year 2020 and the growth rate will continue to rise.
5) Target to contribute to the GDA of Bangladesh, at least 4-5 percent from the tourism industry.
6) The communication network will be well established both internally and externally.
7) The investment for the sector will come from both the government and private sectors.
8) The products will be diversified and improved and marketing systems will develop.
9) Liberate and easy travel system will be introduced by Bangladesh and other countries.

Government Investment in Tourism :

Despite the low priority given by the Government to tourism at a national level there have been some important investments in both Parjatan and Biman. 

(A)             Government investment in BPC:

The audited, consolidated balance sheet of the Corporation as at 30 June 1984 (the latest available at the time of preparation of the master plan report) shows total government investment of over Tk 20 crore. That amount, equivalent to us$ 6.7 million was composed of fully paid capital of Tk 345 lakhs (us$ 1.15 million), grants Tk 281 lakhs (us$ 0.93 million), and loans Tk 14.4 crore (us$ 4.82 million). Of the total investment at the balance sheet date, net assets account for Tk 13.9 crore (us$ 4.62 million) and operating losses (including depreciation) for Tk 9.2 crore (us$ 3.07 million).  The operating losses occurred in the years from 1972 to 1983 and have been partially offset by profits since then.

(B)              Government investment in Biman Bangladesh airlines:

The government as sole stockholder in Biman was not primarily making an investment in tourism but in an airline with potential to become an important contributor tourist flows.  Substantial levels of investment have taken place both in

Biman and in the rehabilitation and development of domestic airports. In TFYP, for example an allocation is made to Biman of Tk 140 crore (us$ 47 million), and to domestic airport development to Tk 70 crore (us$ 23 m illion), for improvements at Sylhet and Chittagong and for further capital works at Zia international Airport in Dhaka. Such investments are supportive to tourism development aspirations particularly those investments in the national carrier although clearly the investments have wider implications than for tourism alone.  

Private Investment in Tourism: 

A range of concessionary investment incentives are offered to the private sector in tourism activities, in line with other special capital depreciation regulations, etc. In addition, the tourism sector receives significant loan finance from the commercial banks. The starting date for the period of income tax exemption for companies in the tourism sector has been extended to June 1990. The period of exemption varies with the district in which the activity is arrived on and portions of the profits must be reinvested in the activity or in government bonds.  Recent private sector investment initiatives appear limited to Dhaka, however. The primary reasons for this would appear to be demand deficiency rather than any institutional constraints. One of the examples of private investment in tourism is Fantasy Kingdom. 

Manpower Development and Training:

It has been recognized by BPC that the Corporation is short of professional staff in its hotel operations division particularly and that the development of tourism in Bangladesh will require training of management cadres. In order to establish and develop a professional training programme within the tourism industry in Bangladesh, BPC established the Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI), which was jointly funded in 1978 by the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the International Labor Organization (ILO) as executing agency. The first phase of the project finished in 1983 and the second phase commenced in February 1986.  The Institute and the hotel are housed in purpose-built facilities having, in addition to 20 bedrooms and usual hotel facilities,  classroom areas, a training restaurant, training and demonstration kitchens, a front office reception area, a conference  room, offices and administrative areas. The ILO, besides helping the Government to develop the hospitality industry, is also helping to develop human resources by providing in-depth training programmes. The full -time courses, supervised by international experts and consultants, cover the following specializations: 

Ø   Hotel and Restaurant Kitchen Training     

Ø  Restaurant Service

Ø  Front Office and Secretarial 

Ø  Bakery, Pastry and Confectionery

Ø  Housekeeping Operations

Ø  Tourist Guides

Ø  Tour Operation and Travel Agencies

There will also be part-time of day-release courses in various aspects of the industry, according to identified needs, such as: 

Ø  Hygiene and Sanitation for Food Handlers

Ø  Short on-the- job Instructor Training Courses

Ø  Communications and Social Skills

Ø  Short courses in different aspects of catering for non -

Asia and the Pacific 2009 Statistics:

Tourist spot:

7 (seven) divisions of Bangladesh are divided into 65 districts. The districts are further subdivided into 493 upazila. All the district ‘s tourist attractions include archeological sites, historic mosques and monuments, resorts, beaches, picnic spots, forest and wildlife. Bangladesh is a riverine country having attractive panoramic beauty.  Map indicating tourist spot in





touristspot



Rajshahi division:

Rajshahi division is in the northern part of Bangladesh has an area of 34513 sq. km and a population of 29.99 million. There are 16 districts and 57 municipalities under Rajshahi. It is famous for archeological and historical sites.

Rajshahi City:

Rajshahi town is situated besides the river Padma. In monsoon the great Padma is in full spate with its tides and waves whereas in winter it dwindles and you will feel the desert by the side of river. Rajshahi Division is famous for archeological and historical places like Mohastnangor, Paharpur Buddhist Monastery, Kantajee’s Temple, Ramshagar Dighi, Choto Sona Masjid, and Shopnopuri etc. You can visit Rajshahi University. It’s a very well planed University and you can visit The Shahid Smriti Sangraha Shala in the University, you can see the documents and photography’s from the language movement of 1952 to the liberation was 1972. You can also visit Borendra Research Museum. There you will find the ancient elements of Paharpur, Mohasthangar and Mohenjodaro.

Main Tourist Spots in Rajshahi Division:

Mahasthangarh - Paharpur Buddhist Monastery - Kantajee's Temple - Ramshagor Dighi - Shopnopuri - Choto Sona Mosque - Varendra Research Museum - Puthia.

Mahasthangarh [Bogra]:

Mohasthangarh is one of the main attractions in north Bengal. It was the capital of Kingdom of the Mourjo, the Gupta and the Sen Dynasty.

This is the ancient archeological and historical which was, established in 2500 BC. It is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh is on the western bank of river Karatoa 18  km. north of Bogra town beside Bogra-Rangpur Road. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area having a fortified, oblong enclosure measuring 5000 ft. by 4500 ft. with an average height of 15 ft. from the surrounding paddy fields. Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins fan out within a semicircle of about five miles radius. Several isolated mounds, the local names of which are Govinda Bhita Temple, Khodai Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parasuramer Bedi, Jiyat Kunda etc. surround the fortified city.

This 3rd century archaeological site is still held to be of great sanctity by the Hindus. Every year (mid-April) and once in every 12 years (December) thousands of Hindu devotees join the bathing ceremony on the bank of river Karatoa. A visit to Mahasthangarh site museum will open up for you wide variety of antiquities, ranging from terracotta objects to gold ornaments and coins recovered from the site. Now it is one of the major tourist spots maintained by Bangladesh archeological Department.          

You can go to Mohasthanagar from Bogra town, 10 km. away. Don’t forget to visit Mohasthangar museum while visiting Mohasthangar. Mohasthan Buddhist Stambho is another attraction for the tourists; it is locally called as Behula’s Basar.

Paharpur Buddhist Monastery:

Paharpur Buddhist Monastery is another tourist attraction of North Bengal. Paharpur is a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district. You can go to Paharpur from Jaipur district. Its only 10 km from Jaipur. King Dharma Pal established Paharpur Buddhist Monastery in 7th century, which is the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas, has been excavated. The main Mandir is in the center of this Monastery. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land.           

[Terakota work of Paharpur Buddisht Temple]

The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular court, measuring more than 900 ft. externally on each side, has high enclosure- walls about 16 ft. in thickness and from 12 ft. to 15 ft. height. With elaborate gateway complex on the north, there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by those of South-East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java.

A small site-Museum built in 1956-57 houses the representative collection of objects recovered from the area, where you can see the statues of Buddha and Vishnu. The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi. The antiquities of the museum include terracotta plaques, images of different gods and goddesses, potteries, coins, inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects.

Kantajees Temple [Dinajpur]:

Kantajee’s Temple is in Dinajpur district. It is the most ornate among the late medieval temples of Bangladesh is the Kantajee’s temple near Dinajpur town, which was established in the year 1722 by Ram Nath, son of Maharaja Pran Nath .

[A Part of Kantajee's Temple, Dinajpur]        The temple, a 51' square three storied edifice, rests on a slightly curved raised plinth of sandstone blocks, believed to have been quarried from the ruins of the ancient city of Bangarh near Gangharampur in West Bengal. It was originally a navaratna temple, crowned with four richly ornamental corner towers on two stores and a central one over the third stored.

Unfortunately these ornate towers collapsed during an earthquake at the end of the 19th century. ln spite of this, the monument rightly claims to bathe finest extant example of its type in brick and terracotta, built by Bengali artisans. The central cells is surrounded on all sides by a covered verandah, each pierced by three entrances, which are separated by equally ornate dwarf brick pillars, Corresponding to the three delicately cusped entrances of the balcony, the sanctum has also three richly decorated arched openings on each face.

Every inch of the temple surface is beautifully embellished with exquisite terracotta plaques, representing flora fauna, geometric motifs, mythological scenes and an astonishing array of contemporary social scenes and favorite pastimes. The beautiful wall paints of this temple tell us the story of Ramayan-Mohabharat, Krishna-Lila and Dev-Devies.

Shopnopuri:

Shopnopuri is one of the most beautiful artificial tourist spot in North Bengal. You can go there either from Hili or from Dinajpur. There you can enjoy your full day watching this artificial beauty.

You can spend night also In Shoponopuri rest house but for that you will have to book in advance. It is an idle Picnic spot also where lots of picnic parties come every year.

Choto Sona Mosque:           

One of the most graceful monument of the Sultanate period is the Chhota Sona Masjid or Small Golden Mosque at Gaur in Rajshahi Built by one Wali Muhammad during

the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah (1493-1519). Originally it was roofed over with 15 gold-gilded domes including the 3 Chauchala domes in the middle row, from which it derives its curious name

Varendra Research Museum:

Situated at Rajshahi, this museum has a rich collection of objects of Mohenjodaro and also of 16th to 19th century A.D. This is devoted to the study of ancient history and culture. Its rich collections contain interesting objects of past Hindu, Buddhist and  Muslim heritage. It is located at the heart of Rajshahi town and maintained by Rajshahi University authority. The year of its formal establishment is 1910 A.D. Admission is free.

Chittagong Division:

Chittagong Division is located at southern part of the country has an area of 33771 sq. km and a population of 23.99. It has 11 districts and 38 municipalities.

Chittagong is the biggest seaport and second largest town in Bangladesh situated near the Bay of Bengal. It is 264 km away east of Dhaka, famous for hill areas, natural beauty and for the seashore. Chittagong is also known of the town of Aulias (Muslim saints).

Inside chittagong:

      War Cemetery

      Zia memorial Museum

      Ethnological Museum

      Court Building Museum

      Shrine's

      Fays Lake

      Patenga & Fouzdarhat

      Port Area

Outside Chittagong

      Sitakundu

      Parki Beach

      Chandraghona

      Cox's Bazar

      Himchori & Inani Beach

      Moheshkhali Island

      Sonadia Island

      St. Martins Island

      Nijhum Island

      Aggameda Khyang

      Ramu

      Teknaf

      Comilla

      BARD

      Lalmai & Moinamoti

      Hill tracks >>

      Rangamati

      Khagrachari

Bandarban

Fays Lake:    

This lake is a natural beauty of Chittagong, where you can enjoy boating and also you can spend your leisure time in a serene atmosphere of lake and hills.

This is in Pahartoli, a satellite town of Chittagong

[Fays Lake at Chittagong]

Patenga and Fouzdarhat Sea Beaches:

Patenga beach is about 22 km. from Chittagong and is approachable by a motorable road. On the way to the beach, one passes the Patenga Airport. Another ideal picnic spot is the Fouzdarhat sea-beach about 16 km. from Chittagong. Patenga sea beach is one of the major attractions of Chittagong for the tourists. Besides the sea beach, you can enjoy boating and river cruise in the River Karnaphuli. You can see the busy seaport activities here.  

Port Area:

Located near the river mouth of the river Karnaphuli, the Chittagong port has a recorded history from 9th century. Today, this is the principal seaport of the country.

Shrine of Hazrat Bayezead Bostami

The shrine of this famous saint is situated in Chittagong. This great priest came to Chittagong in 10th Century to spread the religion of Islam. You can also visit the ancient rare variety of Turtles in the Dighi in the Shrine premises. This shrine attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base is a large tank with several hundred tortoises. Tradition has it that these animals are the descendants of the evil spirits (genii) who were cast into this shape because they incurred the wrath of the great saint who visited the place about 1100 years age.

War Cemetery:

Second World War warrior’s graveyards are in this Cemetery. There are 755 graves in this graveyard of the great warriors who died d in world war from1939 to 1945 in Chittagong areas. In this well-preserved cemetery at a quiet and picturesque place within the city lie buried in eternal peace over 700 soldiers from British, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, Myanmar, East and West Africa, The Netherlands and Japan who laid down their lives on the Myanmar front during the World War II. Every year a number of tourists come here to visit this Cemetery

Ethnological Museum:

This museum located in Agrabad is a treasure house of a variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh

Court Building Museum:

Situated on the Fairy Hill, this building commands a panoramic bird's eye view of Chittagong. This had been the scene of intense activity during the independence War in 1971. A museum has been established here.

Outside Chittagong:

Shitakundu Eco-park:

The famous Chandranath Temple & Buddhist temples are in Sitakundu, 37 km for from Chittagong city. Famous among the many temples in this place, the Chandranath Temple and the Buddhist Temple has a footprint of Lord Buddha. These places particularly the hilltops are regarded as very sacred by the Buddhists and the Hindus. Siva-chaturdashi festival is held every year in February when thousands of pilgrims assemble for the celebrations, which last about ten days. There is a salt-water spring 5 km. to the north of Sitakunda, known as Labanakhya.

You can enjoy the steer ridings to go to Chandranath’s temple by walking. It is situated on the top of the hill from where you can enjoy the beauty of the sea & also the hill areas. Now in sitakunda there’s made an eco park.

Parki beach:

Parki beach might be the next tourist attraction of Bangladesh, which is situated in Anwara thana under southern Chittagong region.

[Parki Beach - Anwara, Chittagong] The beach lies 16-17 km away from Chittagong city. As the beach is situated at the Karnafuli river channel, visitors can view both the Karnafuli river and the sea together. Tourists enjoy the views of big ships anchored at the outer dock, fishermen catching fish in sea, sunset, various colored crabs at the beach and quiet environment.

Chandraghona:

Forty-eight kilometer from Chittagong, on the Kaptai Road is Chandraghona where one of the biggest paper mills in Asia is located. Close to the paper mill, there is a rayon factory, which produces synthetic fibers from bamboo. 

Cox's Bazar:

Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots & the longest sea beach in the world (approx. 120 km long). Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful seafood--this is Cox's Bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh.

[Cox's Bazar Sea Beach]        

The warm shark free waters are good for bathing and swimming & while the sandy beaches offer opportunities for sun-bathing.

The beauty of the setting-sun behind the waves of the sea is simply captivating. Locally made cigars and handloom products of the tribal Rakhyne families are good buys.

Every year lots of foreign & local tourist come here to spend their leisure in Cox’s Bazaar. Though the season is in winter but Cox's Bazar sea beach is crowded almost through out the year. Especially in winter season, it is hard to get an accommodation in the hotels if booking is not made earlier.

If you are really adventurous and want to enjoy the wildness and madness of the ruff and tuff Sea you can come to Cox's bazar in the month of mid April, Sea continue its wildness till August; and its even more exotic if you come to Cox's Bazar in the time of depression of the Sea.

St. Martins Island:

St. Martins Island is the most beautiful Coral Island where you will find live corals. Its only 30 km from Teknaf and you can go there by local motorboat, tourist boats, or sea truck.

[Coral Beach at St. Martins Island]    This small coral island about 10km (6mi) southwest of the southern tip of the mainland is a tropical cliché, with beaches fringed with coconut palms and bountiful marine life. There’s nothing more strenuous to do here than soak up the rays, but it’s a clean and peaceful place without even a mosquito to disrupt your serenity.

It’s possible to walk around the island in a day because it measures only 8 sq km (3 sq mi), shrinking to about 5 sq km (2 sq mi) during high tide. Most of island’s 5500 inhabitants live primarily from fishing, and between October and April fisher people from neighboring areas bring their catch to the island’s temporary wholesale market.In this Island, you will find the beautiful Coral reef and long Coral beach and lots of coconut trees. The local name of the coconut is Narikel and the original name of this Island is Narikel Jinjira is derived from that. Accommodation in St. Martins Island is limited, so it is advisable to book accommodation before you plan to go to this Island. Motel Nijhum is one of the best hotels in St. Martins Island. To book in Motel Nijhum, confirm you reservation from Dhaka. You will hardly get a chance to stay in this hotel if you are a sudden visitor of St. Martins Island. The other good hotels are Prashad Paradise & Sraboni Bilash.

[Wild Orchides in the coconut Garden at St. Martins Island]

Booking of these hotels are also possible from Dhaka. All these three hotels are situated adjacent to Seashore. From these hotels lobby or veranda, you can enjoy the Sea. There are some other motels and hotels established in St. Martins Island.

Overnight staying in St. Martins Island is really an exotic feeling where you will feel and listen the sound of Sea. If you are lucky enough then you can spend the exotic moonlit night at St. Martins Island. The beauty of Full moon in St. Martins Island cannot be expressed, if you are not there at that time.

Cheera-dwip:

Cheera-dwip is a part of St. Martins Island but divided during tides. You can go to Cheera-dwip by walking. About two and a half hours walk from St. Martins Island or you can go there also by local motorboat or tourist boat. In that Island you will find the Corals - living and dead all over the Island. A small bush is there which in the only green part of Cheera-dwip, enhancing the beauty of this island. People do not live in this Island, so advisable for the tourists to go there early and come back by afternoon.

Himchori and Inani Beach:

There are many attractions for the tourists around Cox’s Bazaar. From Cox’s Bazaar Sea shore, you can go to these places by jeep and it is really exotic to drive on the seashore. Himchori is famous for waterfall, though in the winter season it dwindles but during the rainy season it’s really a fabulous and full waterfall can be enjoyed. Inani beach is famous for the rock and coral boulders; you will find big coral boulders in this beach. You can plan a trip to Inani beach via Himchory for a half day or may be a full day sightseeing. Please take packet lunch with you.

Moheshkhali Island:

It is another attraction for the tourists who go to Cox’s Bazaar. An island off the coast of Cox's Bazar. It has an area of 268 square kilometers. Through the center of the island and along the eastern coastline rises, a range of low hills, 300 feet high; but the coast to the west and north is a low-lying treat, fringed by mangrove jungle. In the hills on the coast is built the shrine of Adinath, dedicated to Siva. By its side on the same hill is Buddhist Pagoda. You can go to this Island by local motorboat called trawler or by speedboat. By trawler, it takes an hour and a half and by speedboat, it takes only half an hour to reach this Island. You will find mangrove forests, hilly areas, salt field etc. This island is famous for Buddhist Temple and Pagoda; you can enjoy a full day sight seeing if you intend to visit Sonadia and some other Islands nearby. In the morning you can start for Moheskhali, spend time to watch Moheskhali’s tourist places, take lunch there and on return you can visit Sonadia and other nearby Islands where you can sea the live fishing & fishermen lifestyle; By the afternoon you can come back to Cox’s Bazaar.

Teknaf:

The side of river Naf and the Bay of Bengal situate Teknaf Town, which is the southernmost tip of Bangladesh.  It’s a real natural beauty of hills, forest & Naf River. Lots of Salt fields are there by the side of River Naf. There are natural waterfalls in Teknaf, which increases the beauty of nature.

You can come to Teknaf from Cox’s bazaar by an exotic jeep drive besides the Seashore or you can go there by bus or Microbus by road. By road journey, it is 84 km from Cox’s Bazaar.

[Tecknaf - A Wanderfull View of Nuf River]            You can enjoy shopping in the local market called Burmese Market where you will find all the Burmese & tribal hand made materials. Do not forget to see the Well of Ma-Thin – which tells a sad story of love. Myanmar is on the opposite bank of Naf River. Wild animals and birds are available but the most interesting thing is a journey on the river.

Wide sandy beach in the backdrop of high hills with green forests is an enchanting scene never to be forgotten.

Chittagong Hill Tracks:

Decidedly untypical of Bangladesh in topography and culture, the Chittagong Hill Tracts have steep jungle hills, Buddhist tribal peoples and relatively low-density population. The tracts are about 60km (37mi) east of Chittagong. The region comprises a mass of hills, ravines and cliffs covered with dense jungle, bamboo, creepers and shrubs, and have four main valleys formed by the Karnapuli, Feni, Shangu and Matamuhur rivers.

[A View of Rangamati Lake]             Rangamati, a lush and verdant rural area belonging to the Chakma tribe, is open to visitors, as is Kaptai Lake. The lake, ringed by thick tropical and semi-evergreen forests, looks like nothing else in Bangladesh. While the lake itself is beautiful, the thatched fishing villages located on the lakeshore are what make a visit really special.

Boats that visit the villages leave from Rangamati. Bring your swimming gear because you can take a plunge anywhere.

Rangamati:      

If you don’t visit Rangamati you will not discover a big portion of natural beauties of Bangladesh. From Chittagong a 77 km. road amidst green fields and winding hills will take you to Rangamati. It is also connected by waterway from Kaptai.

[Hanging Bride, Rangamati]   This is the only place to visit through out the year. Rangamati expresses her full beauty in rainy season. Trees becoming greener, waterfalls are in full tide, the river Karnaphuli in her full wave in this season. If you already visited Rangamati in winter, we advice to go there again in monsoon; you will feel the difference of nature yourself.

Parjatan holiday complex is the best place to stay in Rangamati. There are other hotels in Rangamati where you can stay. Boating is the prime attraction in Rangamati. You can go to Kaptai and also by Karnaphuli River you can go deep in side the hill areas where on the way you will find lots of natural waterfalls. If you wish you can take shower in the waterfall or you can swim in the river. By boat you can visit the tribal villages, King Chakma's (tribal) Palace that is called Chakma Rajbari, Rajbonbihar pagoda, Tribal museum etc. You can also enjoy the tribal handmaid crafts if you go for shopping in the local market.

Kaptai Lake:

Built in early sixties Kaptai Dam and the lake are the main attractions of Kaptai. If you are not visiting Kaptai separately then, don’t forget to go for a boating up to Kaptai on the Kaptai Lake while you go to Rangamati tour.

Khagrachari :

[Khagrachori Waterfall]

Khagrachhari is the natural wild beauty of Bangladesh. Here you can visit the tribal lifestyle of Chakmas’ in Khagrachari. You can also visit Alutila hill. Approximately 100 meters long a very dark Cave is the mysterious beauty of Alutila hill.

Bandarban:

Lots of hills and hilly areas, waterfalls, River Sangu, Lakes and the tribal culture are the main attraction of Bandarban .

[Bandarban]    You can go to Bandarban from Chittagong by road. Chimbuk hill is one of the major attractions of Bandarban. You can enjoy the journey to Chimbuk Hill by jig jag hilly roads. It’s the third highest mountain in Bangladesh of approx. 3000 ft height. Reach Chimbuk by jeep or microbus from Rangamati. A beautiful Rest house is there on the top of Chimbuk hill.

If you are lucky then you can feel the clouds touching your whole body. If you take the prior permission from Roads and Highway Department you can spent a night in the rest house on the top of Chimbuk hill. If you stay there a night, you will remember your stay for your whole life with the calmness of nature hearing sometimes the wild animals squalling.

Dhaka division:

Dhaka division is located at center of the country has an area of 31119 sq. km and a population of 38.678 million. It has 17 districts and 64 municipalities. Main rivers of this division are padma, jamuna, meghna, old brahmaputra, dhaleshwari, shitalakshya, brahmaputra, buriganga, arial khan. Madhupur and Bhawal Garhs are located to the northern parts of Dhaka, in Gazipur, southern part of Mymensingh and eastern part of Tangail districts; Garo hills are located in Mymensingh district. Dhaka (Capital City) stands on the bank of the river Buriganga.

Ahsan Manjil :

Built in 1872 and standing on the river Buriganga, this stately building offers the visitors a feeling of the life-style of the Nawabs of Dhaka. Sometimes known as the Pink Palace, this building now houses a splendid museum.

Basically, it was the residence of the Nawabs. Nawab Abdul Gani renovated this building in the year 1872  and named it after his son Khaza Ahasanullah.

[Ahsan Manjil]                                              On the bank of river Buriganga in Dhaka the Pink majestic, Ahsan Manjil has been renovated and turned into a museum recently. It is an epitome of the nation's rich cultural heritage.

Todays renovated Ahsan Manjil a monument of immense historical beauty.

It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It now has 23 galleries in 31 rooms displaying of traits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.

Open 9 am- 5 pm from Saturday to Wednesday and 3-5 pm on Friday. Thursday is close.

Lalbagh Fort:

The fort of Aurangabad, popularly known as the Lalbagh Fort, was built in 1678 AD by the then Viceroy of Bengal Prince Mohammad Azam, son of the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. The fort has a three storied structure with slender minarets at the South Gate. It has many hidden passages and a mosque of massive structure. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh Fort are the Tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady) and Audience room and Hummam Khana (bathing place) of Nawab Shaista Khan, now housing a museum.

The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the first war of independence (1857) when 260 spays stationed here backed by the people revolted against British forces. It is one of the great historical places of Mughal era. A small museum is there in this fort where you will find the clothes and weapons of the Mughols.

Lalbagh fort is in the old town of Dhaka at Lalbagh. It is open 10 am-5 pm Sunday to Friday & Saturday is closed.

The capital city Dhaka predominantly was a city of the Mughals. In hundred years of their vigorous rule successive Governors and princely Viceroys who ruled the province, adorned it with many noble monuments in the shape of magnificent places, mosques, tombs, fortifications and 'Katras' often surrounded with beautifully laid out gardens and pavilions. Among these, few have survived the ravages of time, aggressive tropical climate of the land and vandal hands of  man.

[Lalbagh Fort - Dhaka]           But the finest specimen of this period is the Aurangabad Fort [commonly known as Lalbagh Fort], which indeed represents the unfulfilled dream of a Mughal Prince. It occupies the southwestern part of the old city, overlooking the Buriganga on whose northern bank it stands as a silent sentinel of the old city.

Rectangular in plan, it encloses an area of 1082' by 800' and in addition to its graceful lofty gateways on southeast and northeast corners and a subsidiary small unpretentious gateway on north, it also contains within its fortified perimeter a number of splendid monuments, surrounded by attractive garden. These are a small 3-domed mosque, the mausoleum of Bibi Pari the reputed daughter of Nawab Shaista Khan and the Hammam and Audience Hall of the Governor. The main purpose of this fort was to provide a defensive enclosure of the palatial edifices of the interior and as such was a type of palace-fortress rather than a siege fort.

Bangladesh national museum:

Bangladesh national museum is situated in shah bag. Located at the central point of the city. The museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods as well as inscriptions of the Holy Quran in Arabic and Persian letters and Bengali works in the Arabic script.

[national museum]       The museum also has a rich collection of old coins, metal images, books on art, silver filigree works etc.

Though established in 1913 it was refurbished and opened in the year 1983. Its open from Friday to Wednesday, 9 am to 6 pm. Your mind must be going to the old era when you visit this museum.

Bangabandhu memorial museum:

Bangabandhu memorial museum is situated at road no. 32 Dhanmondi R/A. The residence of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been turn in to a museum. It contains rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his lifetime. This three- stored building as known as Bangabandhu Bhaban. This building turned in to a museum in year 1997. It’s open 10am to 6pm from Thursday to Tuesday, Wednesday closed.

Mukti juddha museum:

This is the museum on our liberation war which is well known as mukti juddha. Mukti juddha museum situated at Segun Bagicha of the city the museum contains rare photographs of liberation war and items used by the freedom fighters during the period. It’s open 9am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday, Sunday closed.

Science museum:

The museum is modern learning center related to the latest science discoveries. It is situated at Agargaon.

Shadhinota Stambha:

Shadhinota Stambha is the place where Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Delivered his historical speech on 7th march 1971. With his speech, Bangladeshi Nation got the enthusiasm for our great Liberation War in 1971. To recognize the historical memory, this Stambha was made.

National Poet's Graveyard:

Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 29 August 1976 and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University Mosque. 

Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden):

A Popular Park. The oath of independence of Bangladesh was taken here and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman gave clarion call for independence on this occasion on the 7th March 1971. The place is famous for its lush verdure and gentle breezes. Eternal Flame to enliven the memory of the martyrs of our Liberation war has been blown here recently.

Mausoleum of National Leaders:

Its located at the southwestern corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan, it is the eternal resting place of great national leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khaja Nazimuddin.

Banga-Bhaban:

The official residence of the President, located in the city. One can have an outside view of this grand palace.

 Parliament House    

[Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban]

Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar has distinctive  architectural features. Designed by the famous architect Louis I. Kahn, it may be called an architectural wonder of this region.

Star Mosque:

A very beautiful mosque of the city is situated at Mahuttuly on Abul Khairat Rd; just west of Armanitola Govt. High School. Architecturally faultless (Mughal style) is a five-dome mosque with hundreds of big and small twinkling stars as surface decorations. The stars have been  created by setting pieces of chinaware on white cement. Seen from the front and from far it looks as if shining above the surface of the earth. The inside of it is even more beautiful that the outside, lovely mosaic floor and excellent tiles with many floral patterns set on the walls, are all in complete harmony.      

                                                                                              

The sitara Masjid was built originally with three domes in early 18th century by Mirza Ghulam Pir, a highly respectable Zamindar of Dhaka.

Botanical Garden:

Botanical Garden is also situated in Mirpur just besides the National Zoo, built on an area of 205 acres of land.

            Approximately 50,000 plants and trees are there of 1200 species. Main attraction of this garden is rose garden. Approximately 300 species of roses are there in this garden. It is open 7 days a week. If you go to this garden, it is advisable you visit National Zoo at a same time.

Sonargaon:

On the Dhaka-Chittagong highway about 29 km from Dhaka, Sonargaon is one of the oldest capitals of Bengal. It was the seat of Deva Dynasty until the 13th century. From that century onward till the advent of the Mughals, Sonargaon was the subsidiary capital of the Sultanate of Bengal.

[Sonargaon]     Another name of Sonargaon was "The City of Panam". Now, the relies of buildings of the old dynasties, Goaldia Mosque and the Folklore Museum that houses artifacts from every cultural trait of the country increase the attractions of this place.

At Jainal Abedin Museum in Sonargaon, you will find some

Historical and archeological things. Among the ancient monuments still intact are the Tomb of Sultan Ghiasuddin (1399-1409 A. D), the shrines of Panjpirs and Shah Abdul Alia and a beautiful mosque in Goaldi villaae.

National Martyrs Memorial:

National Martyrs Memorial is situated in Nabinagar, Savar approximately 35 km from Dhaka. The memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossain is dedicated to the sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the war of liberation.  This Martyrs Memorial is a symbol of Bengali nationalism. It is really a scenic beauty of 108 acre of land. The top of this monument is 150 ft. high, which consists other 07 triangular monuments. Its open 07 days a week besides this monument you can enjoy your foods in Parjatan restaurant opposite of memorial gate.

Khulna Division

Sundarban:

General Information about Sudarban:

AREA: Nearly 2400 sq. miles or 6000 sq. km.

FOREST LIMITS: North-Bagerhat, Khulna and Sathkira districts : South-Bay of Bengal; East-Baleswar (or Haringhata) river, Perojpur, Barisal district, and West-Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers which partially form Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal in India.

                                                                                               

                                                                                                            [Dears at Sundarban]

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty.

The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though; they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles, which once covered the Gangetic plain.

The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq km, of which about one-third is covered in water.

Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area.

Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fish and over 260 species of birds     

                                                                                                [Sundarban - Royal Bengal Tigar ]

have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The Sundarbans now support the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water Crocodile (Crocodiles paresis) in Bangladesh, and that population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals

Here land and water meet in many novel fashions, Wildlife presents many a spectacle. No wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or the crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.

[Wild Monkyes at Sundarban]            With the approach of the evening herds of deer make for the darking glades where boisterous monkeys shower Keora leaves from above for sumptuous meal for the former. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of wonder for which they all crave. 

It's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans. This is indeed a land for the sportsmen, the anglers and the photographers with its abundance of game, big and small, crocodile, wild boar, deer, pythons, wild-birds and above all the Royal Bengal Tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful, For the less adventurously inclined, there are ducks and snipes,      

                                                                                      [Wild Orchid Garden at Kotka, Sundarban]

herons and coots, yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for the ordinary holiday makers who desire to rest or wander around at will to refresh their mind and feast their eyes with the rich treasure that nature has so fondly bestowed.

Means of Communication: Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sundarbans from Khulna or Mongla Port. Private motor launch, speedboats, country boats as well as mechanized vessel of Mongla Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From Dhaka visitors may travel by air, road or rocket steamer to Khulna - the gateway to the Sundarbans. Most pleasant journey from Dhaka to Khulna is by Paddle Steamer, Rocket presenting a picturesque panorama of rural Bangladesh. Day and nightlong coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode is by air from Dhaka to Jessore and then to Khulna by road.

Journey time: It varies depending on tides against or in favor in the river. Usually it takes 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from Mongla to Hiron Point or Katka.

FAMOUS SPOTS: The main tourist spots in Sundarban are Karamjol, Katka, Kochikhali, Hiron point and Mandarbaria. Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provides opportunities for wild tracking.

Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer.

Shat Gambuj Mosque:

In mid-15th century, a Muslim colony was founded in the inhospitable mangrove forest of the Sundarbans near the seacoast in the Bagerhat district by an obscure saint-General, named Ulugh Khan Jahan. He was the earliest torch bearer of Islam in the South who laid the nucleus of an affluent city during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah (1442-59), then known as 'Khalifalabad' (present Bagerhat). Khan Jahan aborned his city with numerous mosques, tanks, roads and other public buildings, the spectacular ruins of which are focused around the most imposing and largest multidomed mosques in Bangladesh, known as the Shait-Gumbad Masjid  (160'X108'). The stately fabric of the monument, serene and imposing, stands on the eastern bank of an unusually vast sweet-water tank, clustered around by the heavy foliage of a low-laying countryside, characteristic of a sea-coast landscape. So in the year 1459 the great Azam Ulugh Khan Jahan established this mosque, which called Shat Gambuj Mosjid. In Bengali Shat means the number 60. Though it is called Shat Gambuj Mosjid, actually the numbers of Gamboj in the mosque are 81. The mosque roofed over with 77 squat domes, including 7 chauchala or four-sided pitched Bengali domes in the middle row. The vast prayer hall, although provided with 11 arched doorways on east and 7 each on north and south for ventilation and light, presents a dark and somber appearance inside. It is divided into 7 longitudinal aisles and 11 deep bays by a forest of slender stone columns, from which springs rows of endless arches, supporting the domes. Six feet thick, slightly tapering walls and hollow and round, almost detached corner towers, resembling the bastions of fortress, each capped by small rounded cupolas, recall the Tughlaq architecture of Delhi.

[Shat Gombuj Mosque - Bagerhat]     The general appearance of this noble monument with its stark simplicity but massive character reflects the strength and simplicity of the builder. This mosque is 160 ft long and 108 ft. in its width. This is one of the most beautiful archeological and historical Mosque in Bangladesh made by red burn mud.

The archeological beauty of this Mosque enchants the tourist till now. Besides this Mosque an archeological museum is there where you can find that times archeological and historical materials.

Shilaidaha Thakur Bari (Kustia):

Shilaidaha Thakur Bari was made by the forth father-in-law Prince Darkanath Tagore of great poet Robindranath Tagore. Now it is a museum where you can see the daily usage materials of Tagore family.

In Kustia you also can visit the Shrine of Lalan Shah, the great folk singer of Bangladesh. His folk songs are popularly known as Lalan Giti.  You can also visit to the Mujib Nagar. Mujib Nagar Smriti Shoudh is built by 23 Stambha at 20 acrs areas of land. At the time of liberation war in 1971 Mujib Nagar was the temporary capital of Bangladesh.

Mongla:

It is the second largest seaport of Bangladesh.In Bangladesh Economy Mongla Port plays a vital role. There are a good number of prawn hatcheries in Mongla.

Sylhet Division:

Sylhet division occupies the north east part of Bangladesh, has an area of 12596 sq. km and a population of 7.899 million. There are 4 districts and 14 municipalities under Barisal. It is a natural hilly, forest area with ox bow lakes and famous shrines.

The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal:

Shrine of Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal is the most historical interest in Sylhet town. Today, more than six hundred years after his death, the shrine is visited by innumerable devotees of every caste and creed, who make the journey from far away places. Legend says, the great saint who came from Delhi to preach Islam and defeated the then Hindu Raja (king) Gour Gobinda, transformed the witchcraft followers of the Raja into catfishes which are still alive in the tank adjacent to the shrine Swords, the holy Quran and the robes of the holy saint are still preserved in the shrine.

Temple of Sri Chaitannya Dev:

About 500 years old famous about 45 km southeast from Sylhet town. The place is revered from being the ancestral home of the famous Vaishnava saint. Yearly fair is organized on the full moon day of the Bangla month Falgun. Hundreds and thousands of devotees from home and abroad attend this colorful fair.

Shahi Edgah:

Three kilometers to the northeast of the circuit house, the Shahi Eidgah was built on a hill by the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb in the 17th century. It looks like a grade fort but is actually meant for Eid congregation-the two biggest Muslim festivals

Gour Gobinda Fort:

<ȧ>

The Murarichand Government College is situated in a beautiful surrounding on a hilltop. To the northwest of the college lie the remains of King Gour Govinda's Fort.

Jaflong:

Jaflong is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Sylhet division. It's about 60 km far from Sylhet town and takes two hours drive to reach there. Jaflong is also a scenic spot nearby amidst tea gardens and rate beauty of rolling stones from hills. It is situated besides the river Mari in the lap of Hill Khashia.

[Stone Collection from the River, Jaflong - Sylhet]   The Mari river is coming from the great Himalayas of India, which bringing million tons of stone boulders with its tide. You can watch the stone collection from the river in Jaflong as well as you can enjoy the boating in the river Mari. Jaflong is totally a hilly area of real natural beauty where hills are greenish with the  forests.

Lots of wild animal lives in this forest, so you need to be careful to enter in the forest alone. You can see the lifestyle of Tribe Khashia in Jaflong. If you intend to visit Jaflong it is advisable to start from Sylhet in the early morning so that you can comeback by evening covering the other tourists spots of nearby areas of Jaflong. The other tourist areas nearby Jaflong are Tamabil, Sripur and Jaintapur.

Srimongol:

Srimongal is the place of tea gardens, hills and forest areas on the hills. Within your eyesight you will find green throughout. Its is famous for the largest tea gardens of world covered by lush green carpet. One can have a look into the spectacular tea processing at Tea Research Institute. Bangladesh produces and exports a large quantity of high quality tea every year. Most of the tea estates are in Sremongol. It is called "The land of two leaves and a bud".

[Srimongol Tea Garden, Sylhet]         It is also called camellia, green carpet or Tea Mountain. There are a lot of tea estates including the largest one in the world. The terraced tea garden, pineapple, rubber and lemon plantations from a beautiful landscape. It is known as the tea capital in Bangladesh. Just offer entering into the tea estates the nice smells and green beauty will

lead you many kilometers away. There are some hotels in Srimongol where you can stay, but if you can manage to stay in the Tea garden that will give you a different type of memorable experience. For that you will have to take the permission from the owner of any tea state.

Madhabkunda Waterfall:

Madhabkunda waterfall is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Sylhet division. Lots of tourists and picnic parties come to Madhabkunda every day for their enjoyment. You can go to Madhabkunda either from Sylhet if you go by road or from Kulaura if you go by train.From Kulaura rail station its about one hour journey by microbus to Madhabkunda. The journey to Madhabkunda itself is exotic. On the way you can see       [Madhabkundu Waterfall]

the greenish beauty of tea garden, the hills  and the zigzag road through the hills will increase the joy of your journey. In Madhabkunda you will see the great waterfall – falls of million tons of water form 200ft. height. Big bolder of stones and the black stones in giving a shape of care in Madhabkundu. There is a Parjatan Motel with a good restaurant for accommodation and fooding.    

There is also a district council Bunglow for night stay. Here you can enjoy adventurous feelings to stay in a jungle. All you need to have a prior booking for the bunglow from Moulvibazar Zilla Parishad office.

Lawacherra Rain Forest:

Lawacherra Rain Forest is one of the important & well-reserved forests in Bangladesh. Here visitor may see gibbons swimming through the trees and birds like bee-eater owls parrot. It is a good habitant of Deer, leopard, wild chicken, squirrel, and python. Don't miss it especially if you are bird watcher. The terrain is hilly and vegetation is fairly thick. Only one rare Chloroform tree of Asia is prime attraction.

Khasia & Manipuri is two important ethnic-tribe live here. Manipuri is famous for its rich culture especially for dancing, singing. They are also famous for their traditional weaving. You can buy their handicrafts exquisitely woven woolen. Shawls, Sharee, Napkin, bed-cover and some should a bags. It is known as colorful community. Khasia tribe is famous for their betel leaf cultivation. They make their villages high on hilltop in deep forest and so far from town. It is like "A Piece of Paradise". Certainly it will please you.

Pineapple cultivation - Sweetest and best quality pineapples grown here in Bangladesh. Pineapple is really a greatest offer of summer but now it is cultivated round the year. So, you can enjoy the juicy summer fruit in any time coming to its real field.

Handicrafts of Sylhet:

Sylhet is well known for its wide variety of exquisite handicrafts. Well-known Sylhet cane products such as chair, table, tea trays, flower vases, bags and the exquisitely designed fine Sital Pati (a kind of mattress having natural cooling effect) are colorful souvenirs.

Manipuri Dance:

An interesting feature of Sylhet region is the aboriginal tribes such as the Tipperas, the Monipuris, Khasias and Garos who still live in their primitive ways in the hills, practicing their age-old rites, rituals, customs and traditions. During festivals such as, Rash Leela (Full-moon night in February) and Doljatra, the attractive young girls dressed in colorful robes, dance with the male members of their choice & love. The Monipuris perform their famous dance, based on allegorical love themes of the ancient mythology.

 

For accommodation at Sylhet town, some reasonably good hotels are available. Rest-house accommodation at Srimangal and other places are also available for tourists.

 

Barisal Division:

Barisal division is in the south west part of Bangladesh, has an area of 13297 sq. km and a population of 8.11 million. There are 6 districts and 22 municipalities under Barisal. It is a revering area. Barishal is a Division of rivers and canals. It is also famous for gardens of coconut trees. You will find thousands of coconut trees throughout Barishal Division. Kuakata is the main tourist spot in the division. In Barishal town you can visit Durga Sagor - a beautiful Dighi where lot of guest birds comes every winter season. This is also a beautiful park where you can spend your leisure time by roaming around the park and watching the birds.

Main Tourist Spots in Barisal Division:

Kuakata :

Kuakata, locally known as Sagar Kannya (Daughter of the Sea) is a rare scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. Kuakata in Latachapli union under Kalapara Police Station of Patuakhali district is about 30 km in length and 6 km in breadth. It is 70 km from Patuakhali district headquarters and 320 km from Dhaka.

                                      

At Kuakata excellent combination of the picturesque natural beauty, sandy beach, blue sky, huge expanse of water of the Bay and evergreen forest in really eye-catching. From its seashore you can watch both sunrise and sunset. The coconut trees increase the scenic beauty of this seashore. 

                   

The main tourist season is in winter but all over the year tourists visit this place. In Kuaka you can visit the life style of tribe Rakhains, who are very friendly to the tourist and visitors. You can visit Buddhist Temple where you can see the statue of Goutom Buddha and two wells of 200 years old. Local name of the well is Kua and Kata is a local name of digging a well; so was the name Kuakata. Fisherman village is another place where you can visit and watch the lifestyle of the Fisherman.

           

If you are adventurous you may also go for fishing on the fishing boat if you can manage the local fishermen. That will give you pleasure and experience, which you won’t be able to gather from anywhere else. In the fishermen village you will find the fishermen coming back from the fishing and you can purchase some fresh Hilsha fish from them, and by the side of village there are some local restaurants from where you can get the Hilshas cooked and ready for eating. You will remember the wonderful taste of the fresh Hilshas of Kuakata for a long time. From Kuakata you can visit to a part of the great Sundarban forest, which is called Gangamoti Reserve Forest. Don’t forget to visit Fatra’s Chor another tourist place nearby Kuakata.

Kuakata is one of the rarest places, which has the unique beauty of offering the full view of the rising and setting of crimson sun in the water of the Bay of Bengal in a calm environment. That perhaps makes Kuakata one of the world's unique beaches. The long and wide beach at Kuakata has a typical natural setting. This sandy beach has gentle slopes into the Bay of Bengal and bathing there is as pleasant as is walking or diving.

Kuakata is truly a virgin beach-a sanctuary for migratory winter birds, a series of coconut trees, sandy beach of blue Bay, a feast for the eye. Forest, boats plying in the Bay of Bengal with colorful sails, fishing, towering cliffs, surfing waves everything here touches every visitor's heart. The unique customs and costumes of the 'Rakhyne' tribal families and Buddhist Temple of about hundred years old indicate the ancient tradition and cultural heritage, which are objects of great pleasure Kuakata is the place of pilgrimage of the Hindus and Buddhist communities. Innumerable devotees arrive here at the festival of 'Rush Purnima' and 'Maghi Purnima'.

On these two days they take holy bath and traditional fairs are held here. All these additional offers to panoramic beauty make the beach more attractive to the visitors. One should visit Kuakata and discover the lovely grace of Bangladesh.

Means of Communication: There exists road communication between Dhaka and Patuakhali district headquarters. Accessible by road, water or air transport up to Barisal. Then one may travel by road or water to Kuakata or Patuakhali. From Dhaka you can go to Patuakhali by bus & from there by microbus to Kuakata. It is advisable to go Patuakhali by launch, which is an overnight journey, and you can enjoy the unique beauty of Bangladesh Rivers at nighttime during this journey. Instead of Potuakhali you can go to Khepupara by launch, which is also an overnight journey and from Khepupara you can go to Kuakata by microbus. A direct BRTC bus service is also available from Dhaka to Kuakata that leaves from Sayedabad Bus terminal at night takes 12 hours to reach Kuakata. But it might be a hectic bus journey as a number of ferries are there on the way to Kuakata by road. BRTC has introduced direct bus service from Dhaka to Kuakata via Barisal.

Where to stay: There are some hotel and motels in Kuakata where you can stay, but Holiday Homes is the best place to stay in Kuakata. It is a motel of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and its better if you confirm your booking from Dhaka in advance.

Transportation facilities for tourists:

Ø  Biman: In Major cities of bangladesh such as Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Jessore, Saidpur, Barisal and Cox's Bazar are connected by air with Dhaka. These destinations are served by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and GMG Airlines.

Ø  Rail:Bangladesh Railway provides an efficient service to places of interest such as Chittagong, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Bogra, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Kushtia starting from Dhaka. The Inter-city Express service runs between Dhaka and most major cities fares are cheap.

For further details please contact:

Bangladesh Railway, Dhaka.

Phone : 880-2-409686, 880-2-413137.

Web: www.railway.gov.bd

Ø  BUS/Coach Service: Road transport in Bangladesh is predominantly private sector affair. Rates are among the cheapest in the world. Express and non-stop services are available to principal towns and cities from Gabtoli, Saidabad and Mohakhali bus terminals in Dhaka. The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) also maintains a country-wide network of bus services. Recently BRTC introduced Dhaka-Calcutta-Dhaka direct daily bus service via Benapole, Jessore (a 360km journey one way).

For details please contact:

BRTC Dhaka.

Phone : 880-2-9555553, 880-2-9333803.

Ø  River: The landscape of Bangladesh is dominated by about 250 rivers, which flow essentially north-south. Country made boats are the most widely used carriers on the rivers of bangladesh. These carry the bulk of passengers and merchandize in the rural area. Mechanized water transport is mainly operated by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), which runs ferry and launch services on the main routes. There are also services run by private companies. Journey by Rocket Steamer from Dhaka (Sadarghat) to Khulna, the gateway to the Sundarbans is a rewarding experience even though the journey time is approximately 28 hours.

For details please contact:

BIWTC, Dhaka.

Phone: 880-2-9551589, 880-2-9555031-33.

Ø  Car Rental: Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) has a fleet of air-conditioned and non-airconditioned cars, microbuses and jeeps. Besides, they offer transfer service for tourists between Dhaka airport and main city points/hotels.

For booking and other details please contact

Rent-a-Car,

Phone: 880-2-8119193, 880-2-8117855-9 Ext. 118.

 Tourism and the Economy:

Tourism is a small but rapidly growing sector of Bangladeshi economy. According to the International Labor Organization, together with the wholesale and retail sector it provides employment for almost 6.0 million people (1996), or around 10.8 percent of the labor force. Government statistics state that 171,000 tourists visited the country in 1998, contributing Tk2.4 billion to the national economy. Most visitors were from India, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

While the author here does make some valid points in his article found in this month’s Executive Times pointedly titled, “Tourism: The Next Driving Sector of Bangladesh Economy“, questions remain unaddressed. Is Bangladesh ready by and large to receive international tourists? Are our tourist attractions ready? Most assuredly, I don’t think so. Many areas lack accommodations. Even the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation website needs a great deal of work. Hotels for many areas are not listed. The ones that are give no indication of the amenities available there. I mean there is a big difference in the quality of service from Hotel Sheraton Dhaka and say, Hotel Fortune Garden in Sylhet (which isn’t even mentioned on their site, but is a great place to stay in Sylhet). Then you click on their link for non BPC Hotels Bangladesh Online Hotel Directory and in most areas it is blank. So, where is the incentive?

475 crore earned in Tourism sector in 2009:

Taka 475.90 crore was earned nationally from the tourism sector till October last year.

The income from the sector in 2007 and 2008 was Taka 526.51 crore and Taka 612.45 crore respectively,the hotels, motels and restaurants under the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation(BPC) earned a net profit of Taka 410.56 lakh in the 2008-09 fiscal year from the tourism sector which was Taka 257.70 lakh in the previous fiscal year.

The income and expenditure of those hotels, motels and restaurants in the 2008-09 fiscal year were Taka 2103.11 lakh and Taka 1692.55 lakh respectively.

the present government has taken various measurers including setting up exclusive tourist zones and appointment of tourist police to attract more tourists in the country.

The cabinet in principle approved the draft of Bangladesh Tourism Protected Area and Special Tourist Zone Act, 2009. Through the act, a legal framework for raising planned and coordinated tourist facilities is being prepared under public and private initiatives. Steps have also been taken to take integrated programmed involving all stakeholders for expansion and development of the country's tourism sector.

A mega plan has been taken for the development of different tourist spots across the country including Cox's Bazar and Kuakata sea beaches to attract increased number of tourists.The government has formulated Tourist Vision 2021 and taken initiatives to raise public awareness to include the Sundarbans, the world heritage site, in the new 7 wonders list by casting votes.

Apart from this, he said, the government has taken various programmes in attracting foreign investment to the country's tourism sector. Besides, formation of Tourism Board Act-2009 is under process. The minister informed the House that the government has a plan to celebrate a month of 2010 as a "Tourism Month" while "Tourism Year" would be observed in 2011 on the occasion of the World Cup Cricket to uphold the positive image of the country's tourism industry.

A new legal framework is under process to ensure total security of the local and foreign tourists and provide them with better services.

Source:BSS,Dhaka.

 Public private partnership in Tourism sector in Bangladesh:

Tourism industry in Bangladesh is emerging issue both for the public and private sector to establish eligibility for accomplishing successful business. Though the land of diverse attractions, bountiful nature and millions of friendly people with more than a millennium of cultural heritage, Bangladesh failed to utilize 10 per cent of its tourism potentiality due to lack of sufficient steps and entrepreneurship by the government and private sectors. It is proved that tourism plays vital role in diversifying the nation's economic base and source of foreign exchange through the promotion of international tourism, creation of more employment opportunities to absorb an ever increasing labor force, improvement in the quality life of both urban and rural dwellers, through provision of leisure facilities and amenities, in addition to fostering respect for cultural diversity, promotes and encourages active private sector participation, creates better international image and increased foreign investments. In Bangladesh, investment opportunities exist in tour operation, water sports

Accommodation, conferences, textiles, crafts, resort development, beaches, sports and recreation, travel and food services, etc.

Expansion of Tourism Sector in Bangladesh:

Bangladesh is a vacationland and it has many facets for local and foreign tourist. Her tourist attractions include archeological sites, historic mosques and monuments, resorts, beaches, picnic spots, forest and wildlife. Bangladesh is a riverine country having attractive panoramic beauty. There are hills, vales, deep and mangrove forests, rivers and the longest beach in the world. In this country, the scope of nature based tourism, research based tourism, culture based tourism and eco-tourism is quite evident. In Bangladesh, prospective areas are present, minimum infra-structural arrangement is developing, role of government is now positive, private and public organizations have come forward side by side to attract the local and foreign tourists, researchers, dignitaries and foreign delegates. Having all the minimum requirements, the tourism industry could not develop adequately. The cracks of problem could not identify accurately because of paucity of sufficient number of research and investigations in our country. Out of different problems, the researchers have concentrated their focus to human resource development aspect for tourism sector in Bangladesh. It is due to low literacy rate of general people, they cannot communicate with the domestic and foreign tourists significantly. So, the tourists felt discourage to visit repeatedly to the tourist spots. It is not possible to increase literacy rate dramatically to develop communicative skill of mass people. The researchers feel that a group of personnel could be developed on an emergency basis to face the immense need of the tourism industry in Bangladesh. Presently, specialized formal education like bachelor’s degree, under graduate degree or postgraduate degrees are not available in universities of Bangladesh on tourism. No specialized training program is being found to develop skilled personnel in this regard. In some International Hotels, Parjatan Corporation and at private level tourist agencies very limited scope of on the job training has been developed. This study will facilitate the decision makers to assess the intensity of the problem and to plan accurate measures to train and develop a good number of manpower for facing the current need readily. This could benefit the tourism industry in multiple ways. This could change the economic picture of tourism sector and contribute a big share in the GDP of Bangladesh.

Prevailing problem and Challenges of Tourism Sector in Bangladesh:

From the findings of the present study, it is seen that tourism industry of Bangladesh has been facing multisided problems. It mainly lacks proper planning and infrastructure facilities, law and order system (corruption & terrorism) etc. However, according to the findings of this study and previous researches, the following are main barriers of tourism development of Bangladesh especially in Cox’s bazaar:

      Inadequate Infrastructure Facilities

Existing infrastructure facilities is not modern and developed in Bangladesh. For this reason in spite of the presence of many tourism potentials, Bangladesh’s share of income from tourism is very poor (Table-2). With poor infrastructure, little marketing sense and direction, and a national carrier too busy serving the labor traffic, tourism potentials of Bangladesh this far remained

52 MIR ABDUL SOFIQUE and JANNAT ARA PARVEEN unexploited. One of the key aspects of infrastructure is the availability of monetary funds during travel. Even until recently, the ATMs outside Dhaka aren't connected to the international network, and traveler’s cheques are very difficult to cash. Due to counterfeiting, many stores accept only "beautiful" (crisp and clean) bills.

       Lack of Modern and Adequate Recreation Facilities

Although Cox's Bazar Spot is treated as a tourism capital of Bangladesh, its recreation facilities yet to developed. Existing recreation facilities are not modern and sufficient according to the demand of the tourists especially for foreign tourists. For example, boating, wind surfing, horse racing and other modern playing instruments with local recreation facilities etc. are not available in the Cox’s Bazaar and other tourism spots of Bangladesh.

      Negative Impact of Security and Safety

Social security and safety have great impact on tourism development in any region like

Bangladesh. Security system is yet to develop in the main cities of all tourists’ spots Cox’s Bazaar. The condition of security and safety are very disappointing in the roadsides for tourists coming especially from Chittagong to Cox’s Bazar and other spots. Due to kidnapping and hijacking issues, foreign tourists are reluctant to stay longer period in Cox,s Bazar (Amin , 2006, Siddique, 2006). this issue leads to loss huge foreign currencies of the country. Moreover, due to lack of sufficient security foreign tourists seldom stay in the beach area after evening time to enjoy the rare natural beauty (during sunset) without any anxiety.

      Country's Poor Image

Bangladesh, whose image abroad tends to revolve round its being one of the poorest countries in the world and prone to natural calamities like flood and cyclone, is not an obvious tourist destination. The tourism industry has also suffered significantly due to the bomb attacks in the year 2005. In addition to this, negative image of the country in the international tourism market has not helped change the view of the West for Bangladesh

      Lack of Human Resources in Different Parjatan Sector:

Trained human resources play vital role to develop tourism in any region like Bangladesh. In this regard Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation has established National Hotel Tourism Training (NHTTI) in 1974. A two-year diploma course on Hotel-Management has been started in 2002.

However, the above initiatives of BPC are not sufficient to meet needs of all tourist spots in the country. Besides, some recent research findings (Siddiqui 2006, Rahman 2007, and Parveen 2008) prove that still there are acute shortage of tourism experts in most hotels and motets of tourist areas in Bangladesh.

      Visa Problems

Visa policy of government is one of the main reasons behind the foreign tourists' unwillingness to visit Bangladesh. If the government lifts visa restrictions for visitors from Europe, USA and other western countries, around 20 lakh foreign tourists will come to Bangladesh in a couple of years. Now it requires about 15 to 20 days for a Bangladeshi visa even for a European citizen (The Daily Star, May 29, 2008).

       Lack of FDI in Tourism Industry

A good presence of FDI is seen in many sectors (like IT, Garments, Medicine, Communications etc.) of Bangladesh except tourism. Government should provide special facilities to both local & foreign investors to invest in this industry considering its economic growth and development. For instance, Sri Lanka encourages, 100 % FDI in the tourism sector development of their country. Government may give Tax holiday to more and more development of tourism industry and set up hotels and restaurants in the tourist areas all over the country. As a result foreign investors will be interested to invest in this industry.

      Lack of Proper and Updated Information

Cox's Bazaar definitely needs to be advertised properly on the popular tourist related web sites.

There should be coordination of information and services between these websites and popular

hotels, restaurants, shops and travel services of Cox's Bazaar and other tourist spot s of

Bangladesh. We need to take pragmatic steps to develop and update our websites to increase

international tourist flow. For instance, Cambodia has its tourism websites in eight languages;

Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia in 12 languages, and we have ours only in one language, English

 Key to solve:

For at least one third of the developing countries, tourism receipts are the main source of export revenue and the tourism industry generates substantial economic benefits to the developing countries. From the overall discussions and analyses of the research, it is very much clear that tourism industry has a great impact on the overall economy of Bangladesh. Present caretaker government recently took significant steps towards liberalizing scopes and facilities for establishing a transparent legal framework. Moreover, as we have resource constraints and our per capita income is very poor (US$ 456)2, government can create more favorable domestic conditions for attracting private sector investment. To achieve the goals and meet the challenges set for the travel and tourism industry in Bangladesh, a strong and co-operative partnership between government departments as well as national tourism authorities, international and national trade associations, and the travel and tourism private sector is required. However, as per findings, the present study and policy guidelines of other recent researches, a number of suggestions, however, are made below that would help to ensure proper and timely development and modernization of tourism industry in Bangladesh.

      Government may establish a have a high-powered independent tourism authority (National Tourism Board) to guide tourism development in the country. The authority must be the facilitator and promoter of tourism and perform all campaigning activities including infrastructure development. It can coordinate with the authority of hotel, motel and tourists for the organized development of tourism industry in Bangladesh. Under present organizational structure, BPC cannot function as regulatory and promotional body (The Bangladesh Monitor, July 1 2008),

      For campaigning activities, government can employ trained manpower countrywide who continuously will work to include all scenic beauties, prospective tourism products, and update previous tourism sites including Cox’s Bazar.

      Public and Private partnership may play vital role to develop and modernize Bangladesh tourism as per global competition. Government should address such issues as creating a conducive environment, providing investment incentives, introducing adequate and supporting legislation and building public sector capability for the formulation and prioritization of projects and negotiations.

      Investment in convertible foreign currencies by foreign investors, and the option to establish public/private limited companies or sole proprietorship concerns, could be allowed.

      To ensure better communications telex, fax and international dialing services, e-mail and

Internet connections through a satellite system need to be made available in the tourist destination especially in the Exclusive Tourist Zones (ETZs) in Cox’s Bazar and other important spots.

      Adequate communication services especially railroads, and street in all tourism spots must be ensured. Roads from Dhaka to Chittagong, Chittagong to Cox’s Bazar, and its other nearer spots need drastic improvement. As Govt. has resource constraints so, it should allow Travel Agents Association of Bangladesh to import luxury coaches at reduced tax to carry tourists in the important spots.

      As stated earlier, visa policy of government is one of the main reasons behind the foreign tourists' unwillingness to visit Bangladesh. No tourism development will bring any good, if visa is not relaxed, Government can introduce an online visa tracking system by bringing all the land ports and airports connecting through internal network and can monitor visitor's entry and exit date and time automatically (The Daily Star, May 29, 2008)

      BPC needs to be turned into a self-governed and self-controlled body if the government wants to turn the tourism industry into a profitable venture (The New Nation June 15, 2008).

      Government should ensure proper security and safety system in the country in general and 2 Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs May 2007. 54 MIR ABDUL SOFIQUE and JANNAT ARA PARVEEN tourism spots in particular. In this regard more strong involvement of joint forces)3 play vital role to control unwanted events (Hijacking or kidnapping tourists) occurring while coming from main city to tourism spots (Cox’s Bazar and other spots). In the remote areas and roads, involvement of 'tourist police'/ joint forces to ensure security and safety will lead to increase more foreign tourists in Cox’s Bazar and other spots.

      As the concept of economics has changed globally, we have to introduce public-private partnership in this industry. Moreover, as our govt. has resource constraints and bureaucratic problems, only govt. initiatives are not adequate to develop tourism; rather public private partnership is a demand of the day to develop infrastructure and modern recreation facilities (like –boating, wind surfing, horse racing and other playing instruments as per international standard) as well as local cultural activities for the enjoyment of tourists.

      To control unwanted situation as well as death hazards in the beach areas, it is very important to set up and develop weather forecasting (during sea bathing) system and like Yasir Life Guard, other institutions may set up for the rapid safety and security of the tourists.

 Analysis of Findings :

The conceptual exposition appears essential to study tourism marketing. The marketing experts opine that tourism marketing is the systemic and coordinated efforts to optimize the satisfaction of tourism .The thing here are concerned with making available to the tourist organizations. The tourism marketing is also supposed to be a device to make a possible reorientation in the business policy and overhaul in the management concept.   Tourism marketing is an integrated effort to satisfy tourists by making available to them the best possible services. It is a device to transform the potential tourists into actual tourists. It is the safest way to generate demand and expand market.  Further, it is an effort to make possible harmony between the social interests and interests of tourist organizations. It is an approach to promote business, which feeds the organizations the necessary information for farming or revamping the marketing decisions. The tourisms marketing is thus promotion or sales based on research on what are to be sold in the market.  Dependence on laurels is not possible in the tourism marketing since the taste preferences of users change very firstly in Bangladesh.

Final comments :

Bangladesh is one of the third world countries having scarcity of his finance but they can increase their GDP through by giving stress to the tourism industry.  From overall point of view, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation is a only one government tourism service provider firm in Bangladesh, which practices modern marketing concept. But in some sector they are lagging behind. There has a lot of opportunities to earn foreign and local revenue from this sector but this sector is totally ignored.  The researcher has put forward some recommendation. If BPC follows these  recommendations, in the long run, BPC will become  revenue generating organization  Bangladesh has a lot of potential  tourist spots but it should do find out the exposure. Otherwise, she cannot cash from this potential sector. And private sector should encouraged by the government to work together for the s ake of the development of tourism industry in Bangladesh.

To build this tourism economy he speaks of, Bangladesh needs a new image. I know I’ve said it before, but here it comes again. The world over, Bangladesh is seen as a country of poverty, flood, famine, and micro credit. This the image that comes to most people when you mention Bangladesh. So the tourism industry needs a new image for Bangladesh. Many Asian countries are doing this, “India, Incredible India”, “Malaysia, Truly Asia” and there are many more. Bangladesh could easily become, “Bangladesh: the Heart of Asia!”