Shibganj upazila in the western district of Chapainawabganj has many elements of becoming a big tourism destination, including one of Asia's largest mango markets and centuries-old archaeological sites.
However, stakeholders say its tourism potential remains largely untapped because of poor infrastructure, limited visitor facilities, and a lack of promotion.
According to them, enhanced tourism activities all year round can give a boost to the rural economy if proper initiatives are taken by the authorities concerned.
The region offers many tourism attractions, including the Kansat mango market and its surrounding orchards; historical sites like the 15th century Chhoto Sona Mosque, Bir Sreshtho Jahangir's Tomb, Khania Dighi Mosque, Mughal-era Tohakhana Complex, and Darasbari Mosque ruins; Sonamasjid Land Port area; and the Pagla River.
A visitor can enjoy business activities at the Kansat mango market throughout the day as the fruit is transported from orchards by local modes of transport like autorickshaws, vans, and bicycles. They can then explore the Kansat Zamindar Bari located next to the market.
A tourist named Javed Hossain was seen looking at the decaying archaeological sites with great wonder.
When asked about his experience of visiting Shibganj, he said he came here with little expectations, mostly limited to visiting mango orchards, but was surprised at the presence of many archaeological sites within a short distance.
"The region holds huge tourism potential like the guava hubs in Barishal and tea estates in Sylhet," he said, adding that the experience of mango orchard exploration could be compared to apple picking in other countries.
A group of Russian tourists were exploring the Darasbari Mosque ruins. They were accompanied by Zafrul Hasan, a freelance tourism professional. He said the ancient mosques and archaeological remains linked to the Bengal Sultanate period continued to attract researchers and heritage enthusiasts.
"From my experience of frequently guiding foreign tourists across Bangladesh, I can say mango tourism could create employment opportunities for farmers, transport workers, local guides, restaurant owners, photographers, artisans, and small businesses," he said.
"There is interest in the local tourism sites among travellers, but many facilities are still missing."
He explained that poor infrastructure remained one of the biggest obstacles as roads leading to some tourist sites were underdeveloped, while quality accommodation, tourist transportation, clean public facilities, and visitor information services remained limited.
Without proper infrastructure, tourists may not stay long or recommend the destination to others, he said, adding that a lack of organised branding and promotion had also limited tourism growth.
"I believe Bangladesh has not yet effectively marketed Chapainawabganj internationally as a mango tourism destination."
Zafrul also identified several other challenges, including language barriers, transportation difficulties, lack of professional tour guides, and limited tourist information in English.
According to him, mango tourism is highly seasonal, concentrated between May and July.
Yet, the integration of agro-tourism with heritage tourism, eco-tourism, and cultural events could sustain tourism activities all year round, he added.
He underscored the importance of involving local communities directly in tourism development to ensure that economic benefits reached the grassroots.
"If local people benefit from tourism, they will naturally become protectors of the orchards, culture, and heritage," he noted.
When contacted, Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) First Vice President Syed Shafat Uddin Ahmed Tomal said agro-tourism is currently a growing global trend, where travellers experience local agriculture, harvesting culture, and rural livelihoods firsthand.
"If the two sectors - agriculture and heritage tourism - are strategically integrated, Shibganj can become a unique destination where visitors can experience history, culture, local food traditions, and agricultural heritage altogether," he said.
"Sustainable tourism, when developed properly, has the power to distribute income directly to local communities rather than concentrating it in urban centres," he added.
However, there are several structural challenges that discourage private sector investment, particularly in accommodation and hospitality infrastructure, he noted.
When asked about the private sector's involvement in regional tourism, Tomal said the key challenge was limited destination readiness.
"Tourism development requires consistent visitor flow throughout the year, but Shibganj currently attracts mostly seasonal travellers, especially during the mango season. Investors generally seek year-round demand before committing capital to hotels or resorts," he explained.
The TOAB official mentioned the unavailability of tourism-specific infrastructure, such as quality accommodations, visitor centres, destination signage, sanitation systems, and trained guides.
Integrated tourism services also remain limited, he said.
Tomal suggested encouraging responsible private sector investment.
"Investors need policy incentives, such as tax benefits, public and private partnerships, and clear tourism zoning plans, that reduce investment risk," he said.
According to Shibganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mazharul Islam, there is a big tourism potential in the region as people visit it.
People move across the heritage sites as well as the land port on their own, he told The Financial Express.
"The administration does not have any direct initiative for tourism promotion until now," he said, adding that the heritage sites belong to the jurisdiction of the Department of Archaeology.
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