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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. Interestfor 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.

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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 like-

River 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=24-12-

2013&type=daily-sun-

news&pub_no=714&menu_id=45&news_type_id=1&news_id=165116#sthash.NueyBs4q.dpuf