Tourism in Sylhet under threat

Sylhet, one of Bangladesh's most renowned tourist destinations, is widely celebrated for its natural beauty. Places like Jaflong, Bichanakandi, Ratargul Swamp Forest, Lalakhal, Bholaganj White Stone, along with Panthumai, Laxonchhara and the vast tea gardens, form some of the most attractive highlights of Bangladesh's tourism landscape. However, the current condition of these sites has become increasingly alarming.
The most severe issue is the illegal extraction of stones and sand. Despite restrictions, uncontrolled extraction continues daily in areas such as Jaflong and Bholaganj. As a result, riverbeds are being destroyed, natural beauty is fading and the normal flow of water is being seriously disrupted.
Ratargul Swamp Forest is currently facing a critical environmental crisis. Plastic waste and litter left behind by tourists are damaging the wetland's ecosystem. Excessive boat traffic, engine noise and unplanned constructions are threatening the forest's biodiversity and ecological balance.
In areas like Bichanakandi and Lalakhal, the lack of proper safety measures has led to frequent accidents and drowning incidents. Despite the growing number of tourists, these destinations suffer from a lack of cleanliness and the absence of effective waste management systems, leaving the surroundings polluted and neglected.
Even more concerning is the lack of basic tourist infrastructure across most sites. Due to unplanned tourism development and weak administrative oversight, Sylhet's natural heritage is gradually deteriorating day by day.
Unless immediate actions are taken to address the above mentioned issues, future generations may only read about Sylhet's beauty in books, never experiencing its true charm in reality.
Ibrahim Ibney Aziz
Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka