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Bangladesh is geographically splendid with a number of water resources, including rivers, canals, and sea lines, which allow the country to be naturally and economically affluent.
The inclinable afflux of the stream, interconnectivity among the water paths, and open sea voyage scopes in a favourable range are some of the staple traits for a sound cruise journey. Moreover, the delicious sites surrounding the flanks of the watershed append, heightening joys to the riders in those vessels.
According to the National River Conservation Commission, the total number of rivers in Bangladesh is 1,008, with a total of 22,000 km length of water channel. On the other hand, the geographical maritime area of Bangladesh at the Bay of Bengal is 12 nautical miles (22.22 km), and the economic area there is 200 nautical miles (370.40 km).
For the thumping, spiffy marine scenario and surroundings, those waterways can be attractive tourist spots, which can fulfil the thirst for travelling and render the inner peace of the beholders.
Along with numerous rivers and canals, Bangladesh has lakes, haors (basin), and sea paths. Some districts are blessed with a number of those resources, which draw the attention of the viewers. Sylhet, Sunamganj, Khulna, Chattogram, Patuakhali, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, etc., are noteworthy in this regard.
As a riverine country, every district of Bangladesh is connected closely with others through waterways that can be transmuted to attractive tourist destinations, either by policymaking or balanced portfolio management.
The viscerally beautiful scenario of the marine journey gives tremendous joy to the tourists, including eye-catching sights as well as vasting the borders of knowledge through learning from nature.
Saint Martin Island, the only coral island of Bangladesh, is a prominent cruise line for tourists located in the southern part of the country. Every year, from October to March, a number of ship companies run their ships to that island, where the tourists enjoy the beauty of both the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal, riverine life, the borders of Myanmar, and most attractively, the free wrestle of a seagull (Gangchil).
Previously, the ship companies operated their ships or water vessels from Teknaf to Saintmartin, but now the scopes to go to that island from Chattogram and Cox's Bazar are available from October to March every year. It broadens the circumference of the field of tourism, attracting both natives and foreigners, where cruise vessels are exuberant with luxurious tour facilities.
Sylhet and Sunamganj are also two prominent destinations for enjoying waterways, as these districts have a number of rivers and other water paths. Tamabil, Ratalgul Swamp Forest, Bichanakandi, Jaflong, Tanguar Haor, etc., are some of the waterway destinations tourists visit the most.
A number of tour operators are operating their services to visit those areas, which can be improved by availing world-class tour amenities, including quality vessel services, expert guides, and improved residential facilities, that the tour operators can subsume.
Also, the other waterways, including Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barguna, and Sundarbans, are complemented by attractive water views, which can also be utilized by the stakeholders regarding tour operations in Bangladesh.
Asif Arafat Islam is the Executive Director of Karnafuly Cruise Line, which is the sister concern of Karnafuly Ship Builders Limited. He said, "We operate ships to Saintmartin from both Chattogram and Cox's Bazar from October to March every year.
Previously, Teknaf was the only point to start the journey toward Saintmartin, where we brought changes to that one by launching multiple points, firstly in Cox's Bazar, and after that in Chattogram, which created engrossed dimensions in the field of tourism industry of Bangladesh."
"We always concentrate on higher tourist satisfaction by creating world-class facilities for residence, food, entertainment, and other things. The visitors can also hire our ship for any particular programme, and the army can use our ships for relief activities on a rental basis", he added.
While answering the question of how Bangladesh can grab more opportunities in the field of cruise journeys, he said, "The authority should dredge the rivers as many of the rivers are not suitable for operating cruise services. If it can be ensured, it will create a milestone in the field of cruise tourism in Bangladesh."
Bangladesh, with its natural resources, is blessed with tourism. Adjustments and a well-organized system can make it way more significant.