Call to enrich vast Barind tract as tourists spot

RAJSHAHI, Mar 20 (BSS): Speakers at a seminar here Friday evening called for building the vast Barind tract as a tourist spot as it is gifted with enormous historical and cultural heritages. In this regard, they also mentioned that the existing heritages must be protected from further extinction and the government intervention is needed as early as possible. The seminar titled "Prospect of tourism in Barind area" was organised on the second day of the 10-day Rajshahi Culture Festival-2011 being held at Green Plaza of Rajshahi City Bhaban since Thursday. Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) and Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Office jointly organised the festival marking the 91st birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Independence and National Day 2011. Director of Institute of Bangladesh Studies of Rajshahi University Prof Dr Mahbubur Rahman presented the keynote paper on the topic with Commissioner of Rajshahi division Abdul Mannan in the chair. Chairman of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) Nurul Islam Tandhu, addressed the session as the chief guest, said the BMDA has been implementing multifarious programmes for sustainable development of the Barind area. He, however, said the area needs special budgetary allocation for the best uses of its existing natural and historical resources. Prof Dr Moniruzzaman and Associate Prof Dr Sorochish Sarker of Rajshahi University and dramatist Ferdous Hasan also spoke on the occasion as special guests. In another celebrity reception ceremony at the same stage, three noted personalities- Syed Shamsul Haque, Prof Hassan Azizul Haque and Bazlur Rahman Badal were accorded reception for their laudable contribution to the nation's literary and cultural fields. Mayor of RCC AHM Khairuzzaman Liton addressed the ceremony as the chief guest with Commissioner of Rajshahi division Abdul Mannan in the chair. Principal of Shahmukhdum Degree College Prof Dr Tasiqul Islam Raja, Prof Sanat Kumar Shaha, Dr Mostofa Tariqul Ahsan of Rajshahi University and Principal of Rajshahi Education Board Model School and College Dr Salim Sabrin also spoke on the occasion.