Tracking river ways of Bangladesh Misbah Uddin Sumon

As many as 700 rivers and tributaries criss-cross Bangladesh and travelling along the river-ways is an experience not to be missed. A total of 57 international rivers, 54 from India and 3 from Myanmar, also snake along the countryside. All of which constitute a waterway of around 24,140 km. The rivers of Bangladesh are both a cultural and natural resource for recreation and tourism. The long and wide beautiful rivers and scenic lakes are ideal locations for long and languid river cruises. Interest for river cruising is also growing up rapidly specially among urban tourists. Many international tourists honeymoon over river cruising in Bangladesh. River cruises have become major tourist attractions, giving a boost to the tourism industry. Fortunately for the road-weary traveller, there is a comfortable, luxurious - way to travel on the water. We have lots of rivers around the country. Every river has its own distinct features. Some are large some are small. Some are widths and some are mighty. Here we can work on 18 rivers which have several features which also cover the whole country. We have not only lots of river but also we have variety of rivers. The features of one river greatly differ from one river to another river. Like widest and longest Meghan, Mighty Padma, Hilly Sangu and fierce Karnaphuly. Compare to other countries we can say that we have beautiful scenery in the bank of the river. It is one of our strong competitive advantages. In other South Asian countries river based tourism is not vastly developed, so it is a unique opportunity for Bangladesh.

We can divide the country into eight regions to promote Bangladesh as a river based tourism destination. Dhaka has Buriganga, Sitalokha and Meghan; Sylhet posses Surma, Piyan and Kusiara; Rajshahis Padma, Karotoa, Jamuna and Goyna; Chittagong is blessed with Karnafuli and Naf; Bandarban has Sangu and Matamuhuri; Barishal has Kirtankhola, and Khulna has spiritual Rupsa rivers. These rivers have beautiful natural bank as well as a strong, rich history. They are unique from one another. These rivers also represent the Bangladesh, its culture, tradition as well as the geographical nature. To make these rivers suitable and attractive enough we have to encompass some activities likeRiver protection policy. This is now under the environment protection act. In December 12, 2010 government formed the national river protection commission. Public awareness is essential to protect rivers from encroachment. Tourism infrastructure and superstructure should be developed. Safety and security should be ensured for tourists. Trained Human resource will be needed to preserve and operate water based tourism services. If we develop river cruising then we will be able to Preserve the traditional boats in the different regions-Dingi, Sampan, Balam, Teddy, Jali, Ghasi, Dorakha, Kathami, Mallar, Panshi, Bedi, Kosha, Bhudi and Raptani. To attract tourists the concerned authorities should take up some measures like dredging the rivers, maintaining water flow through agreement with neighbouring countries, increasing river cruise facilities, establishing resorts nearby river banks, discovering char, fishing facility, water biking, and setting up floating hotels and restaurants. Crystal clean water of Jaflong and Bandarban, and two colours of Jamuna Rivers will lose its appeal if we fail to maintain water flow of these rivers through agreement with neighbouring countries. We have 54 rivers connected with neighbouring country India. Faracca dame and Tipaimukh dam are two devastating projects for rivers of Bangladesh imposed by India. If our political leaders fail to get the proper portion of water then it will be the misfortune for our nation. Most of the rivers of Bangladesh are polluted because of industrial waste disposal, contamination of toxic and pesticide in the agricultural land, and human waste. We have to raise our voice to protect our rivers from erosion, contamination and grabbing and then we will be able to promote our country through river based tourist destination.-

See more at: http://www.daily-sun.com/index.php?view=details&archiev=yes&arch_date=24-122013&type=daily-sunnews&pub_no=714&menu_id=45&news_type_id=1&news_id=165116#sthash.NueyBs4q.dpuf