According to government statistics, the tourism sector contributes approximately 3-4 per cent to the national GDP. Data from various years indicate that, on average, around 600,000-700,000 foreign tourists visit Bangladesh annually, while nearly ten million domestic tourists travel within the country.
When people plan to travel, their preferences usually include destinations such as Cox's Bazar, the Sundarbans, Saint Martin's Island, Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari.
At a first glance, everything sounds positive: people are travelling, breaking the monotony of life, and the country's annual income is increasing. However, there is a darker side to the story. The environment of tourist cities is being severely affected.
Cox's Bazar, home to the world's longest natural sea beach, is a place where the sight of the sunset over the sea fills the heart with awe. Yet, due to unplanned management and indiscriminate dumping of waste, the area is gradually getting polluted. In many places, piles of garbage can be seen along the roadside, on the beach, and in casuarina groves. Tourists have complained that they often have to cover their noses while passing through these areas. Such waste not only causes inconvenience but also disrupts the ecological balance of the sea and the surrounding environment.
The Sundarbans, which protect the country from many natural disasters, are facing similar threats. To meet growing tourist demand, unplanned hotels and resorts are being constructed, posing serious challenges to local biodiversity, forest land, and the existing ecosystem.
The condition of Saint Martin's Island is even more alarming. Due to prolonged inadequate environmental control and excessive tourism, the island has become increasingly vulnerable. Coral layers have diminished significantly and are now on the verge of destruction.
The situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is no better. This raises an important question: who is truly responsible for this crisis? Responsibility lies largely with tourists who litter indiscriminately and lack environmental awareness. No matter how much effort the government makes, unless public awareness is created, the condition of these tourist cities will continue to deteriorate. Therefore, it is imperative to become conscious and responsible while there is still time.
Laboni Akter Kobita
Department of Public Administration
Jagannath University
laboniakterkobita6@gmail.com
