On October 22, a workshop was held on “Preserving the Natural Beauty of Habiganj and Sustainable Tourism Development.” The workshop focused on the importance and potential of the tourism industry in Habiganj. Chief Guest Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, emphasized that tourism stands as a crucial sector alongside other industries. He highlighted the promising prospects of tourism in Habiganj but pointed out security as a major issue for tourists. He suggested that the Deputy Commissioner of Habiganj should consider initiating a Tourist Police unit to ensure security.
The workshop, jointly organized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board, Habiganj District Administration, Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), and the Khowai River Waterkeeper, was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Faridur Rahman and moderated by Khowai River Waterkeeper Tofazzal Sohel. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Dr. Md. Zahirul Haque, Vice-Chancellor of Sylhet Metropolitan University, who discussed strategies for preserving Habiganj’s natural beauty and promoting tourism.
Special guests included Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain, Additional DIG of Bangladesh Tourist Police; Rezau Haque Khan, Additional DIG and Superintendent of Police in Habiganj; Md. Billal Hossain, Superintendent of Tourist Police in Sylhet; and Professor Md. Ikramul Wadud, President of BAPA Habiganj, among others. Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam, Divisional Forest Officer, was also present, along with various community leaders, environmentalists, and academics.
In his keynote, Professor Haque highlighted the need to promote Habiganj’s natural beauty, religious, spiritual, and archaeological sites locally and internationally. He stressed the importance of ensuring security at each tourist spot and the necessity of preserving the environment in eco-tourism and nature-based tourism destinations.
Special Guest Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain announced the upcoming launch of the Tourist Police unit in Habiganj, which will work on both security and investigating tourism-related crimes, playing a vital role in the overall development of tourism in the area.
Abdul Karim Kim, another Special Guest, spoke on transforming Habiganj into a tourism-friendly city, enhancing facilities for tourists, and making the city free from traffic congestion and pollution.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Commissioner of Habiganj reiterated that the Tourism Board, the administration, and citizens must work together to harness Habiganj’s tourism potential, preserving natural beauty and advancing the tourism sector. The workshop was attended by students, teachers, and individuals from various sectors, including Habiganj Government High School, JK & HK High School, Buds KG & High School, Planeteers Club, BIAM Laboratory School, BD Clean, Volunteer for Bangladesh, and the BNCC team from Habiganj Government Women’s College.
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