Kamal Raj, Sylhet
Sylhet, the tourism hub of the country’s north-east, has witnessed a surge in visitors during the five-day Durga Puja holiday, with tourism-related businesses expecting to generate at least Tk 50 crore in revenue.
Millions of tourists from across the country have flocked to the region’s hills, rivers, waterfalls and sprawling tea gardens. Favourable weather has raised hopes of a record tourist turnout, according to tourism businesses.
Hotel and motel owners in Sylhet said around 80–90 per cent of rooms had been booked in advance at the start of the holiday, with many popular resorts fully occupied. Tourist arrivals had remained high over the past two to three months, and the extended Puja holiday has further boosted demand. They expect all rooms to be booked in the coming days.
The white-stone landscape of Bholaganj, known as Sada Pathor, near the Indian border, has emerged as a major attraction. Tourists are also thronging Jaflong, Bichhanakandi, the freshwater swamp forest of Ratargul and the blue waters of Lalakhal. Malnichhara and other tea gardens in and around the city have also drawn large crowds.
Similar festive scenes have been reported at tourist destinations and resorts in neighbouring Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts.
Tourism businesses said the holiday had helped the local economy recover after a prolonged downturn. Hotels, transport operators, restaurants, boatmen, small traders and tour operators have all seen a significant rise in earnings.
The district and police administrations have taken extensive measures to ensure tourists’ safety and smooth travel. Special patrols by tourist police and highway police have been intensified at major destinations. Executive magistrates are also conducting regular monitoring to prevent harassment and overcharging.
Sylhet is fully prepared to welcome visitors during the extended holiday. Tourism stakeholders expect the influx to continue for at least another 10 days. #EK