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CHALLENGES FACED IN TOURISM SECTOR IN SOUTH-EASTERN PART OF BANGLADESH AND OPTIONS OPEN FOR ITS PROSPECT VIS-A-VIS ROLE OF SECURITY FORCES Introduction.
1. Tourism is the worlds largest and fastest growing industry. It has the potential to

contribute significantly to the economic development of most economies, including those of less developed countries and region. Tourism has become a major economic, social and cultural phenomenon, said United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli .It has perhaps become the biggest international business activity after oil. If we talk about Peace and sustainable development then we can surely say that tourism promotes dialogue between people and states, it improves their knowledge of each other and it helps them recognize the importance of valuing and respecting their differences. International tourism is the largest single item However; it depends heavily on environmental conditions, natural and man-made, for its market and its sustainability. But it is becoming extremely difficult for us to cope with oversize population (141.8 millions )1 only by improving in agricultural sector. Economy of Bangladesh is based on agriculture. She posses natural gas, limited quantities of oil in the Bay of Bengal, coal, and some uranium with few minerals. Our gross domestic product (GDP) is 6.2 per cent in 2005 comparative to its neigbouring countries (Annex A) 2 but having deficit budget every year. We need to find out the ways to solve the unemployment problem. Therefore, it is very important to covert the huge population into human resources. We have to think deliberately about industrialization of tourism which is needed less skill and effort for flourishment 3 2. Bangladesh offers ample of tourist attractions especially in SE part. The facilities for

tourists have also greatly improved compared to even a few years ago. Much of the country especially SE part of Bangladesh has been relatively untouched by modern technology and development .We can find enchanting rich flora and fauna and colorful tribal life .Tourism can be one of the highly beneficial industries in this area. Hilly green forest, winding hills, long and wide lakes, long beaches with gentle sloping to blue water to Bay of Bengal and island have painted a panoramic beautiful landscape in this part of the country. Tribes culture, heritage, traditions and life enhanced with natural beauty in this area. Despite having all these products, our tourism could not be explored much because it is encountering challenges in every step. 1 RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED Massive infrastructural improvement and creating favourable tourism environment is needed for base of tourism. Low intensity conflict has certainly added fuel on the fire. Prevailing security threat in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) is identified one of the chief barrier in our tourism industrialization.4 It is therefore felt strong necessity for integrating Security Force (SF) to address the core issues . 3. Bangladesh is placed overall 120th out of 124 countries in T & T 2007 index as per the

statement of the UNWTO5. Tourism sector contributed 0.73 per cent of total share of GDP in 2006-07 year (Annex B). She has forecasted its annual growth rate from 1.5 per cent in 2006 to 5.7 per cent in 2007-2016 6.To do that state level patronization is the prime to explore the tourism potentials. Political and social outrages, turmoil and instability created bottle neck to develop tourism. To develop tourism infrastructure favourable environment is needed. SF can also play vital role to flourish this industrialization in this region. In this paper effort will be taken to define current environment in SE part of Bangladesh. Analysis will be done to identify the prevailing grey areas and challenges faced by this sector in Chittagong, CHT and Coxs Bazar districts area. More focus is put on the CHT and tourism potentials islands like Saint Martins, Maheskhali and Sonadia .Later on I shall suggest the possible options open for vast development of the industry .Synthesizing all these I shall make an endeavor to define the possible roles of SF. Methodology of the research was two folds; First, undertaking a base line survey by analyzing the secondary data and documents , Second ,interview based on set of questionnaire of fifty experienced Army, Navy, Air force officer having experienced of visiting countries from all the continents .Apart from these, I sought opinions of officials of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry , Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation(BPC) ; serving Armed Forces officers of five Asian countries , few tourists, security farm owner.

Aim
4. The aim of this paper is to define tourism environment in SE part of Bangladesh

to identify the challenges in tourism for finding out possible options for its prospect vis--vis role of security forces.

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An Overview on Tourism Environment in SE part of Bangladesh

5. The CHT, Chittagong, Coxs Bazar covers an area almost one sixth of land mass of the

whole country but the facilities of tourism occupy only a tiny percentage of the land or space despite having potentiality. Bangladesh has the potentials of earning billions of dollars in this sector if SE part is explored properly. Our tourism is pivoting by BPC and National Hotel, Tourism Training Institute (NHTTI) and World Tourism Day (27 September). Whole SE part has been relatively untouched by modern technology and development. In the survey 72 percent opined that tourism flourished very little and 18 per cent said moderately flourished in the SE of Bangladesh .82 per cent opined this part should be the pivot of tourism activity will benefit highly(Annex C).7 a. Potentiality and Product of Tourism sector in SE part of Bangladesh. In

this paper SE part will refer to five districts namely Chittagong, Khagrachari, Rangamati, Bandarban and Coxs bazar. In the survey 68 per cent 8had the clear idea on the product availability which commensurate UNWTO statement where we are placed 60 th out of 124 countries (Annex D, E)9. These are describing below: (1) Chittagong. Chittagong has green hills and forests, broad sandy

beaches always attract the holiday-markers. In this district World War II Cemetery, Court Building Museum, Foys Lake set amidst quaint surroundings is an ideal spot of outing. There are place of attractions like Mercantile Marine Academy, Patenga and Fouzdarhat Sea Port, ethnological museum located at Agrabad is a treasure-house of a variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh, Zia Museum at the government Circuit House., Chandraghona. One of the biggest paper mills in Asia and a rayon factory close by. 10 (2) CHT. It is divided into three districts, namely Rangamati, Khagrachari

and Bandarban. CHT is divided into four valleys surrounded by the major rivers Feni, Karnaphuli, Sangu and Matamuhuri and their tributaries. The ranges or hills rise steeply thus looking far more impressive than what their height would imply and extend in long narrow ridges. Details are described below: . (a) Rangamati. Rangamati has a wonderful depository of

charming splendors with flora and fauna of varied images. The township is located on the western bank of the Kaptai Lake. Rangamati is a 3 RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED favourite holiday resort because of its beautiful landscape, scenic beauty, lake, colourful tribes, museum, hanging bridge, homespun textile products, and ivory jewelers. For tourists the attractions of Rangamati are fishing, speeds boat cruising, water skiing, hiking, bathing or merely enjoying nature as it is. BPC provides these facilities in a very limited scale. (b) Bandarban. Bandarban is the home town of the Bohmong

Chief (Mogh tribe) is of Myanmar origin and Buddhists by religion. Murangs and several other tribes will be of great interest for anyone who cares to make the journey. Chimbuk hill, jhum cultivation, Sangu river side view, mountain Tajindang, second Kewkradang and panoramic Boga lake attracts tourist very much. 11
(c)

Khagrachari. Khagrachari represents the natural, wild beauty of

Bangladesh. The hills of this region are composed of folded sedimentary rocks.. Important tourist spots are Alutila, Mung Rajbari, Guimara, Sharthok, old tea garden, Matai Pukhiri, Dhumnighat sacred place, Nunchari Goddess pond, Sindhukchari pond, Buddhist Monastery, Ramgarh forest and tillas, Sazek orange garden, 12 Lakhichari water fall. (d) Heritage and Culture of Hill People13. Fascinating tribal

life is full of heritage, culture and traditions. Majority of them are Buddhists and the rest are Hindus, Christians and Animists. They are extremely self-reliant, peace loving, honest and hospitable, grow their own food and clothes and make beautiful handicrafts. Each tribe has its own dialect, distinctive dress and rites and ritual can offer an attractive Exclusive Tourist Village. In the survey 74 per cent opined that heritage; culture and traditions can be highly utilized in cultural tourism.
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(3)

Cox's Bazar

15

. Miles of golden sands, soaring cliffs, surfing waves,

rare conch shells, multihued pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful sea food- this is Cox's bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh. It has the world's longest (120 km.) unbroken beach sloping gently down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. Local varieties of cigars and handloom products of the Rakhyne tribal families, unique customs and dress attract many visitors. Cox's Bazar has a 4 RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED mixed population of people speaking Bengali and Burmese. Arakanians have established flourishing cottage industries of colourful silk and cotton fabrics. Himchari is famous for waterfalls and Inani beach with a background of steep hills to the east. Maheskhaliis an island off the coast of Cox's Bazar. Sonadia Island is about seven km from Cox's Bazar and about nine square km in area .Teknaf is the southernmost tip of Bangladesh, situated on the Naaf River. Elephant point is also a good sight seeing place on the way to Teknaf. Saint Martins Island a beauty spot of the Bay is the most beautiful live coral island. b. Security Environment in CHT16. Though CHT accord was signed in 02

December 1997 but armed activity, toll collection, abduction, killings, black propaganda against the Government and SF etc are continuing .Moreover, communal disharmony, demand for the implementation of the CHT accord and land related issues etc had made the situation in CHT much volatile and definite threat to security. Joint endeavor is required with SF, Elite and Civil Administration to address these issues 2nd barrier for exploration.17 c. Ecotourism18. Prema Cooray, Chairman, CACCI Tourism Council Eco for creating safe passage to the Tourism Industry. In the survey it is seen that terrorism placed as

or Nature Tourism defined Eco logically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural area is that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation19. The valleys of the CHT are covered with thick planted with green tall teak trees. Though the CHT is a place for ecotourism but we are far away to explore and it is echoed by 72 per cent of the persons 20 .Recently one eco park is established in Sitakunda besides Labanakhya salt water spring at Chittagong and one safari park in Dulhazara at Coxs Bazar d. Riverine Tourism21. This type of tourism offers a potentially safer and private

means of seeing the sight without the problem of crowds gathering around tourists which occurs on ground. SE part is ornamented with Karnaphuly, Rankywang, Sangu, Matamuhuri and Naaf. All these rivers are connected with Bay of Bengal and Karnaphuly is connected with Kaptai Reservoir. Riverine tourism potentially can have the options to operate pivoting the lake towards the all directions criss-crossing CHT. e. Religious/Spititual Tourism. Chittagong is known as place of Twelve

Auwlia. Tomb of Sultan Bayazid Bostami and Shah Amanat attracts a large number of 5 RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED visitors and pilgrim. At the same time CHT and Coxs Bazar are place of full of Buddhas monument, temple like Aggameda Khyang .Ramu is a typical Buddhist village, about 16 km from Cox's Bazar, on the main road to Chittagong. There are monasteries, khyangs and pagodas containing images of Buddha in gold, bronze with precious stones. The shrine of Adinath at Maheshkhali island interest tourist dedicated to Shiva and Buddhist Pagoda. f. Complementary Tourism Product. Bangladesh has traditions of small

scale and cottage industry which can be utilized for tourist attraction. Our country is famous for different kind of readymade garment (RMG) clothing ; handicraft made of cane, jute and bronze, pottery can be the good source of tourism supportive product. 22 52 per cent thinks highly that cottage industry and RMG sector will attract to tourists whereas 28 per cent thinks moderately for business tourism. 23 6. Challenges Faced in Tourism Sector in SE Part of Bangladesh . Bangladesh faces

tremendous odd situation in regards to tourism. At the same time corruption, political turmoil, social barriers also added as disadvantageous or unfriendly environment. a. Underdeveloped Infrastructures24. There are only few countable

good road network namely Chittagong-Coxs Bazar-Teknaf, Chittagong-Bandarban, Chittagong-Rangamati,Chittagong-Khagrachari and few interlinked roads are available. Neither outer circular road close to border of India in any hill districts exist nor any link road close to is available. No railway communications are existing towards any hill districts or Coxs Bazar. Required number of water vessels, telephone/fax, mobile communications, electric facilities, are not adequately available in CHT. In fact inaccessible spot has literally no value to the industry 25. b. Underdeveloped Tourism Infrastructure 26. Tourism infrastructure in SE part

in Bangladesh is inadequate and substandard in comparison to other parts of the country as per UNWTO and also reiterated by placing 1 st as main barrier in the survey.27 Aviation facilities, tourism training infrastructure, accommodation facilities, gymnasium and other essentials recreational facilities is not available beyond hill districts town. Non availability of quality bus, ship, cruise liner, aero plane, and helicopter facilities from Chittagong city to any hill districts is also a great drawback to tourism sector.

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RESTRICTED c. CHT Land Act 1900 and Peace Accord28. This law and latest 1997 peace

accord is a definite bar for leasing, buying or selling of land in CHT .It has great negative impact on infrastructural development and foreign direct investment(FDI) operation will not be possible. d. Other Vulnerabilities and Weaknesses29. Generally Bangladesh is

vulnerable in socio-religious aspect, negative aspects of tourism, weak trade commerce. In the survey corruption and misappropriation of power, unstable political situation, unemployed and unskilled population, tourist harassment, lack of institutional capacity, complex and time consuming visa and banking policies and services, lack of interministerial cooperation and coordination, insufficient FDI or privatization is identified as vulnerabilities and weaknesses.

Comparative Study with Neighbouring Countries

7. Nepal30. Nepal is the home to a wide range of culture, customes and traditions

with pilgrimage sites like famous Pasupanipath temple, Swayambu Stupa , resident of Lord Shiva around the Katmandu valley. Nepal offers mountaineering, trekking, ballooning, paragliding, bungee jumping, biking, boating, river rafting, fishing, jungle safari, ecopark. Mount Everest,Himalayan valley, Kailash, Manosh Sorovor ,Tarai Jungle Park are also the place of interest. Nepal also offers cultural show, local art, hotels with excellent service, music, dance, golf. Though communication infrastructure is not very advanced but it is continuously developing road network and they have other means of communication by helicopter, cable car 31. Nepal is positioned 106 th in the statement of UNWTO 2007 index. International tourists arrival is 3, 76,000 in 2005 whereas in Bangladesh it is 2, 08,000 (almost 50 per cent of total inbound tourist from SAARC countries) at the same time Nepal received US $ 132 Millions and in Bangladesh it is only US $ 70 Million (Annex F). Surprisingly Nepal ICT infrastructure, Human resources, education and training, air and ground transport infrastructure are underdeveloped in comparison to Bangladesh.32 No case of extortion or threat towards tourist does exist. Her main strength is tourism infrastructure policy rules and regulation for visa. 8. India33.India is a vast country with versatile tourists attraction. Indias visiting heritage, with variety of culture, almost open society now-a-days attracts major tourist influx in this region. India is famous for Yoga and Ayurvedic treatment. She offers trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, rock climbing, camel safari, gliding, ballooning, motor rallying, cricket, fishing, golf, horse riding, hows and clubs. Traveling is not safe places like Kashmir, Assam, Guzrat for political and communal violence. India have weak tourism infrastructure in 7 RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED comparison to Indonesia and Malaysia and positioned 60 th as per UNWTO index 2007.She is strong T &T business environment and infrastructure, regulatory framework, environmental regulations ,national tourism perception and rich natural and cultural resources.
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Seven sisters

paradise of eco tourism has serious threat by the insurgency problem by the various separatist groups. Sudden strike frightens tourists thus discourage from visiting these hills, safari park, and river view.35 International tourist arrival ratio is very less in comparison to its population and surface area.36 9. Srilanka37. Srilanka has made tremendous improvement despite having security threat of Tmail Tigers. Mountain biking, trekking, ballooning, kayaking, paragliding, colourful canoeing, bird watching, gal oya, national park, Ayurveda are the events and places of tourist attraction. It is a gentle method of treating the root causes of illness in both mind and body. She offers amazing beaches, jungles and hills for all. It attracts young traveler, holiday makers, businessman, cruise ship visitors. She received 5, 83,000 tourists and US $ 692 Millions in 2003.38Navy ground units are deployed at Nilaveli which is located at the north for countering the insurgency in such a manner it can automatically secure the tourism infrastructure. 39 10. Malaysia40. Malaysia is a country of combination of the Malayans, the Chinese, the

Indian, the Eurasians and other indigenous groups retain and nurture their respective culture , customs, traditions and lifestyles. Peaceful co-existence, mutual tolerance, acceptance of all community is a unique example displayed by them. Malaysia Truly Asia promises to; disseminate the latest tourism information accurately through customer-friendly services, organize effective promotional programs to attract tourists to spend more, Provide professional help to local and international tourism players in various tourism-related promotional activities, Cooperate with Government departments, private sectors, non governmental organizations and tourism industry players in Malaysia and overseas when coordinating tourism activities. They try to win the heart of tourist by Malaysian cuisine. Malaysia organizes lot sports competitions, shows and fair to attract tourists and embarked constructing theme park to attract Middle East investor.41 11. Maldives42. Maldives is consisting of 17 rings 43which are the clusters of tiny islands.

The Maldives islands are famous for rare underwater beauty and they were discovered as diving destinations. She offers scuba diving, fishing, dives safari, surfing, snorkeling for the sea lovers. Ecotourism is explored in its crystal clear water. She receives more than twice foreign tourist and thrice money than Nepal because of its good infrastructure. Bangladesh can explore water sports facilities in Saint Martins and Sonadia Islands. 8 RESTRICTED

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Options Open to Develop Tourism in SE Part of Bangladesh

12. Bangladesh has a wide arena and options to develop tourism in her SE part. Certainly for economic conditions Bangladesh cannot effort to allot enough budgets for tourism sector. But at the same time it is needed to take appropriate steps for rapid industrialization in tourism. One; it has options to lease out to foreign multinational organization to develop tourism environment with the existing infrastructure. Two; Government can also have maximum control and multinational organization may also work side by side. Here option two apparently seems to be the best options for us. Basing on geographical location of the district and places of attraction SE part of Bangladesh can be divided into three tourism circle .One; Coxs bazaar and Bandarban district, two; Chittagong and Rangamati three; Khagrachari. In this case option one and two can be the priority, and then we can think about Khagrachari. But for all the above cases, it is important to spot out potential area where emphasize should be given for development of the infrastructure, training facilities, strong communication network, and security system. The expert from BPC and few veteran CHT experienced military officer opined that Government has to integrate security organization with it. 44 In the survey it is found 36 per cent opined for deployment with little adjustment, 28 per cent in favour of guarding exclusive tourist zone, 28 per cent supported above two options and 12 per cent not in favour for police deployment. Security can play effective role to eradicate many problems or challenges of tourism industry, can act as force multiplier. So it is important to find out correct direction for developing the tourism industry for flourishing tourism product in SE part of Bangladesh in current environment.45 a. Development of Countrys infrastructure. To build up tourism industry

countrys infrastructure has to be developed meticulously. (1) Road/Rail/Waterway Network. In CHT, number of inter-link road

connected to intra districts and border circular road has to be constructed. Railway communication needs to be established along with roadside. Existing waterways along major river Karnaphuly, Sangu, Matamuhuri, Rynkheyang , Shubahlang and Naaf .At the same time canal, tributaries connected to Kaptai Lake can also be included. Road, rail, waterways communication system is needed to be triplicated for the tourist spot which is essential for the tourism.

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RESTRICTED (2) Transportation and Other Facilities.Cable car, mono rail service46,

Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) 47 port may be constructed in Rangamati for transporting tourists to remote places of CHT. Landline or mobile communications are not prevailing in CHT for security reason. Radio relay and mobile communication, internet has to be established. Number of tansports, aero plane/helicopter required to be increased for transporting persons from Chittagong city to any place of attraction of three hill districts or Coxs Bazar. b. Organize Favourable Tourism Environment . (1) Improvement of General Infrastructure. Bangladesh is positioned

120 th out of 124 countries in travel and tourism (T & T) industry according to UNWTO. As per the statement of the UNWTO Bangladesh is placed 121 th in regulatory framework,108th in T & T business environment and infrastructure, 116th in T & T human, cultural and natural resources. She has to improve on the entire above field in details. Bangladesh has made National Tourism Policy in 1992 and formulates Bangladesh Tourism Vision 2020. Our national tourism policy is directed to earn foreign exchange, increase interest to the general people by creating low cost facilities, and development of handicrafts and cottage industries, development of the culture, heritage and traditions of the country. This policy also aimed for alleviation of poverty by creating employment opportunities and creating favourable image of Bangladesh abroad. 48 A research team headed by previous BPC Chairman Dr Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman has come to a conclusive perception that vision 2020 would cash on certain critical factors based on positive image, single destination country, positive FDI ,liberal travel and visa policy contribute to GDP at least 4-5 per cent, both internal and external communication network are developed, diversified improved marketing system .Above all approximately 1.30 Million tourist like to visit and rate will increase further.49 Research team has identified acceptable and practical aspect thinking the socio-economic infrastructure of Bangladesh and infrastructural interconnectivity of the three hill districts. At the same time research team highlighted the classical combination of ecotourism, religious/spiritual tourism, riverine tourism in this area. Bangladesh is located at the juncture of south-east and East Asia. She does not offer the traditional western standard of tourism .

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RESTRICTED (2) Tour Operator and Accomodation Facilities 50. Bangladesh

receives 44.36 and 32.78 per cent for the purpose of business and tourism respectively out of total tourist51. In Coxs bazaar only one 5 star, one 4 Star, eight 3 Star (one in Saint Martin), nine 2 Star hotels are available where as in Chittagong two 4 Star, four 3 Star, one 2 Star hotels are available and no categorized hotel are constructed in any of the CHT districts except BPC motel. Only 7 tour operators are operative out of 73 recognized tour operators in Chittagong. No tour operators are functioning in CHT districts. Tour operator Ordnance needs amendment.52 (3) Other Facilities. STOL port, hospital facilities, conference hall,

health and appropriate accommodation and other essentials recreational facilities has to be increased tourist. Government has to patronize to increase not only the numbers of hotels and tour operator but also ensure quality service for developing tourism. Above all it has to grow standard security system and separate tourist law will certainly gain tourists confidence. (4) Promote Climate Friendly Tourism. Infrastructural development plan

and other tourism facilities should be waged by climate and weather conditions. (5) Tourism Fair and International Exposes53. Bangladesh as a tourist

destination is far away from the traditionally tourist generating countries of Europe and USA. Eco-tourism and facilities of western standard may attract tourists from the western world. (6) Develop Health Centre and Hospitals in Tourist Site/Medical

Tourism. We are to build up required health and hygiene centers and also hospitals for readily available for the tourists. High and develop medication system can be develop like Madras of India, Singapore, Thailand in Cox,s Bazar/ Teknaf area and the island of Maheshkhali, Sonadia, Saint Martins. 54 (7) Exclusive Tourist Zone55. Maheshkhali, Saint Martins and Sonadia

Island can be developed for Exclusive Tourist Zone. Club, bar, disco, pub, aviation facilities, water sports arrangement and other recreational facilities are to be established. Exclusive tourist zone will allow tourists to move freely.

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RESTRICTED c. Essentials Complementary to Tourism Development . (1) Legal Aspects and Chittagong Hill Tracts Land Act 1900 56. The CHT land act is a bar for buying or selling of land in CHT which has great negative impact on infrastructural development in this sector. It is paramount important to pass comprehensive and practicable pact by underlining the critical part. Through comprehensive dialogue it is possible to have effective control for planning and development of tourism environment. (2) Product Campaign. Extensive media plan has to be integrated to It should continuously address the way of

formulate detail directives for launching country and nation wide media campaign on positive tourism. economic emancipation for our country and the same time interest the foreign and local tourists. Governments patronization is vulnerable to black propaganda of the terrorist.57 Magazines, leaflets, posters, brochures, press preview/release containing details lucrative information on travels, transportation and accommodation.58 These are being distributed through all foreign embassies at Dhaka, foreign airlines and Bangladesh mission abroad. 59 Establishment of effective information center by qualified personal is also necessary. Wide scale motivational campaign for tourism has to be launched .Malaysia, Srilanka ,Nepal ,Maldives, Indonesia ,Thailand, Singapore, UAE are the classical example for launching promotional products. Continuous watch on negative tourism for the improvement of products.. (4) Trade and Commerce and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) 60. Tourism depends also on trade and commerce of a country. Tourism assist to run the wheel of economy, it started from Visa charge, benefit from plane /bus/guide/hotel fair, Spending money for food/beverage/fair/shopping etc. We are to launch campaign for attracting FDI. 60 per cent opined that FDI can develop highly, 32 per cent thinks moderately to develop tourism as industry. We have to establish the number of local and international standard online banking. (5) Budgetary Allotment for Creating Tourist Attraction 61. Tourism

has recently been recognized as a significant sector for socio-economic development of the country (Annex G ). Therefore tourism as an industry has to receive required budget on priority basis. Basic requirement and recreational 12 RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED facilities of tourist are to be made as international standard. Provision has to be made for special allocation in the annual/five-year plans for the coordinated development of physical infrastructures by giving priority to development of roads and other communication systems to tourist attractions places of the country. (6) Corruption and Misutilization of Authority. Tourism sector has to be made free of politicization thus only can helped to achieve the desired end state. It is seen in the recent past that the corruption and misuse of power and authority has made our tourism sector crippled like forcefully grabbing the Governments Khas Land .Positive law has to be passed to guard against corruption. 62 (7) Promote Human Resource Development and Tourism in Poverty

Alleviation63. Our country being the 8th largest in population (141.8 Million) faces tremendous problem in unemployment .She has large unskilled and illiterate people. Tourism certainly can assist to eradicate the poverty with lesser effort. In the survey 42 per cent opined this sector can solve unemployment problem highly and 52 per cent thinks satisfactorily. To develop human resource in this sector, NHTTI has been started two-year diploma in hotel management and National Certificate Courses on different hotel and tourism related subjects are regularly conducted from 18 weeks to one year. Female and tribes highly encouraged to participate in all the courses. Almost 23000 students have been trained in different courses from this institution till to-date. (8) Security Situation and Peace Accord 1997 in CHT 64. Terrorists

in CHT are not complying the the Peace Accord. Sense of insecurity is main hurdle to tourism. Details of this will be discussed subsequently in the role of SF. (9) Bi-lateral Relation65. The participation of a number of institutions and

networking processes could turn this region into a pilot area for cooperative sustainable tourism. Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) contributes to the field of tourism internationally, regionally and domestically. The Economic and Social Commission for Asia (ESCAP) is UN body which has the priority programmed to promote Buddhist Circuit tourism. Bangladesh can explore its religious tourism in her SE part. The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) assists member countries through HRD, technical experts assistance and exchange of knowledge on productivity. BIMST-EC members have recognized 13 RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED that tourism can make significant contribution to socio-economic development of their countries through its potential to expand the economic base, increase foreign exchange earnings, provide employment and enhance the standard of living earnings, provide employment and enhance standard of living. We can also explore the potentiality of SAARC (South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation), ADB (Asian Development Bank), and SASEC (South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation) for countrys long term infrastructural development which ultimately assist tourism sector.

Role of SF in the Current Security Environment in SE part of Bangladesh

13. Security in all aspect is a must for local and foreign tourists. There must not be any sense

of insecurity regarding safety because that is likely to damage the whole sector. For betterment of this sector Government has to take total control on security aspects strictly. Security forces include Army, Navy, Air force, Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), Coast Guard, Police, Ansar, and Village Defence Party. Armed Forces often involve in aid to civil power and played vital role in nation building activities including maintain law and order situation in CHT. To explore our tourism industry SF can play historical role if coordination and cooperation at Government level is made properly. Here I like to inform you that the security and maintain law and order should be the sole responsibilities of the police in Chittagong and Coxs Bazar area .Separate law has to be passed for protecting right of the SF personal. a. Establishment of Joint Coordination Cell66. A joint coordination cell may be 24 Infantry

formed under the permanent body like Armed Forces to collaborate the joint effort with all security organization headed by General Officer Commanding of Division. This cell will work directly with the instructions of National Security Council (NSC). One official from Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry may be the member of this cell for necessary coordination. Bangladesh Army is deployed in four region (comprised of Brigade size force composed of Army, BDR, Armed Police, Ansar) to cover Chittagong, CHT and Coxs bazar. Navy bases are located at Chittagong, Rangamati .Navy is carrying routine patrol in the sea and training at Kaptai. Air force has also its base in Chittagong but not in CHT or Coxs bazaar. If resources are allotted to Air force then she can also provide necessary security. b. Special Authority and Separate Tourist Law67. Special authority may be

given to Armed forces and police to handle any threat or incident for the betterment of 14 RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED the industry in CHT. Separate tourist law has to be commissioned to protect the right of the tourist. c. Organize Local Security68. Since Armed Forces and BDR are deployed in large area of CHT, it will be extremely difficult to guard number of pace of attractions. Therefore, BPC may organize local security by employing tourist police or existing Security Farms in Bangladesh like Egypt or Malaysia in tourist site to ease up the situation. d. Deployment of SF in Key Point and Area69. Armed forces may be dedicated or

deployed partly in aid of civil power, side by side to combat the insurgency in CHT, keeping in view that tourism is income generating sector. Armed Forces along with Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry officials may carryout joint in-depth analysis on the possible threats against tourism sector to identify the Key tourist point and area. Therefore it will be easier deploying the forces. To organized security check post in important places, there are number of tourist attraction sites deep inside jungles and Hills can be protected by SF. e. SF Generates Sense of Security and Confidence Amongst Local and Foreign Both local and international tourist will be confident to visit remote areas

Tourist Srilanka. f.

if Armed Forces deployed for securing the important area and places all time like

Guarding Exclusive Tourist Zone.

If Sonadia, Maheshkhali, Saint Martins

Island is decided as Exclusive tourist zone, these places is needed to be guarded by SF. Navy can be operative in Saint Martins and Sonadia Islands for any internal and external threat and Army and Navy can be operative in Maheshkhali Island as joint force .Police camp will be required to be established for maintaining routine law and order situation. g. Employment of Engineer Construction Battalion(ECB) . At present two construction units are engaged in CHT development work. One construction unit may be raised for the purpose of developing tourism infrastructure in CHT which unit can be made responsible in coordination with Region Headquarters. h. Emergency Evacuation ,Search and Rescue Operation 70. During the cyclone Cidr it is felt necessary for emergency air evacuation in the tourist island Saint Martine. Almost 500 local including few foreign tourists were trapped in, they had no water, electricity, very limited food. At last they were disconnected from mobile 15 RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED communication network. If priority can be given to evacuate the tourists from the island, it would be good for this sector. Tourists will feel insecure and unwilling to visit in future. Government level evacuation plan was clearly absent in this regard. Navy and Air force can be used to ensure the security. 71 j. General Protection72. SF can be deployed in the likely threaten entry/exit point important communication centre/hub. General route protection and routine patrol certainly secure the tourist. There must be coordination in security arrangement.

Conclusion
14. Tourism occupies only a tiny percentage of the land despite having potentiality in

this area. Internal survey team and UNWTO recognizes its enormous potentials of earning huge foreign in this sector if SE part is explored properly. It should be the responsibilities of all to develop tourism. Its green hills and dense forests, longest sandy gentle sloping beaches with blue water , Lakes , sea food, shrine of Baro Aulia, Buddhist Monastery, Goddess pond, pagoda , orange garden, water fall museum ,colourful tribal life an their homemade products, Sea Ports, paper and rayon mills lust tourists to visit this area. Four major rivers namely Feni, Karnaphuli, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers and their tributaries divided CHT into four valleys. Holiday makers has limited facilities offered by BPC like fishing, speed boat cruising, water skiing, hiking, bathing or merely enjoying nature as it is. Tribal life is full of heritage, culture and traditions majority of them are Buddhists and the rest are Hindus, Christians and Animists. The tribal people are extremely self-reliant, peace loving, honest and hospitable. Each tribe has its own dialect, distinctive dress and rites and ritual can be used as Exclusive Tourist Village concept. Maheskhali, Sonadia and Saint Martins Island spotted as very good sight seeing place. We have to rethink on post accord situation and make joint endeavor current terrorist activity to make safe passage for the industry. There should be classical combination of ecotourism, religious and riverine tourism by its product. UNWTO and survey acknowledged underdeveloped countrys infrastructure as main barrier to tourism. Aviation facilities, tourism infrastructure, housing and other essentials frivolous facilities are not available here. Non availability of quality bus, ship, cruise liner, aero plane, and helicopter facilities. Generally Bangladesh is vulnerable in socio-religious aspect, negative aspects of tourism, weak trade commerce. In the survey corruption and misappropriation of power, unstable political situation, unemployed and unskilled population, tourist harassment, lack of institutional capacity, complex and time consuming visa and banking policies and services, lack of inter-ministerial cooperation

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RESTRICTED and coordination, insufficient FDI or privatization is identified as vulnerabilities and weaknesses.(Paragraph 5,6) 15. Almost all the countries like Nepal, India, Srilanka, Malaysia offers similar kind of

facilities culture, customs and traditions with pilgrimage sites, mountaineering, trekking, ballooning, paragliding, bungee jumping, biking, boating, river rafting, fishing, jungle safari, eco-park, show, wine and dine at outskirts hotels with excellent service, music , dance and discothques ,gambling in casinos, golf for the tourists . Nepal has helicopters; cable car for communication in remote places .India is famous for Yoga and Ayurvedic treatment. Paradise of eco tourism has serious threat seven sisters and Kashmir. Kayaking, paragliding, bird watching, Ayurveda are the events and places of tourist attraction in Srilanka. Navy ground units are deployed at Nilaveli for securing the tourism infrastructure. Malaysia is a country of combination of various indigenous groups retain and nurture their respective culture, customs, traditions and lifestyles. Peaceful co-existence, mutual tolerance, acceptance of all community is a unique example displayed by them. Malaysia Truly Asia disseminates the latest tourism information and customer-friendly services, organize effective promotional programs for all. The Maldives islands are famous for rare underwater beauty and they were discovered as diving destinations. Ecotourism is explored in its crystal clear water. Bangladesh can take the unique example from these countries to develop this industry. (Paragraph 16. 7-11)

Bangladesh has a wide arena and options to develop tourism in her SE part. Government

can also have maximum control and multinational organization may also work side by side and prioritized the tourism circle basing on geographical location of the districts and places of attraction. It is important to smudge out potential area where emphasize should be given for development of the infrastructure, training facilities, strong communication network and security system. Security can play effective role to eliminate many of the challenges. So it is important to hit upon out correct direction for developing the tourism industry for flourishing tourism product in SE part of Bangladesh in current upbringing. In CHT, number of inter-link road connected to intra districts. Railway communication needs to be established along with roadside. Existing waterways along four major river and tributaries connected to Kaptai Lake can also be included. Road, rail, waterways communication system is needed to be jointed and planned for the tourist spot which is essential for the tourism and address our weaknesses identified by both UNWTO and survey. Bangladesh has made National Tourism Policy in 1992 and formulates Bangladesh Tourism Vision 2020. Our national tourism policy is aimed at developing, preserved and maintenance of tourism resources, taking steps for alleviation of poverty by creating 17 RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED employment opportunities and creating favourable image of Bangladesh abroad. A research team headed by previous BPC Chairman Dr Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman has come to a conclusive perception that vision 2020 would cash on certain critical factors based on positive image, FDI, Government investment, liberal travel and visa policy, develop infrastructure. Research team has identified practical aspect of the socio-economic infrastructure of Bangladesh. It is certainly mentioned details about CHT; interconnectivity of the three hill districts and highlighted the classical combination of ecotourism, religious/spiritual tourism, riverine tourism in this area. We have increase tour operator, quality transport services, aviation facilities and other recreational facilities both for local and foreigner as per their taste and demand. We are to develop the tourism keeping in view of climate conditions, geographical importance. Facilities are to be developed for all the tourists. Tourism friendly land act is essential for FDI .Malaysia, Srilanka, Nepal, Maldives, Thailand sited classical example for launching promotional product are to be followed. Special allotment can be given for creating tourist attraction spot. Bold step against corruption and misappropriation needs to be taken. Promote Human Resource Development for Poverty Alleviation. Bangldesh can explore its tourism infrastructure with mutual cooperation and coordination with PATA, ESCAP, APO, BIMST-EC, ADB, SAARC .Tourism can significantly contribute to socio-economic development, increase foreign exchange earnings, provide employment and enhance the standard of living.(Paragraph 12) 17. Insecurity is a great danger for tourism sector. Security in all aspect is a must for local

and foreign tourists. SF comprised with all existing forces named Joint Coordination Cell will be headed by General Officer Commanding of 24 Infantry Division. This cell will work directly with the instructions of NSC. SF may have to undertake, when maintaining and restoring law and order in support of an established government, in order to counter the threats in an internal security or insurgency setting. These threats include civil disturbances, terrorism and organized insurgency, irrespective of whether these are nationalist or racially inspired, or directed from within or outside the threatened territory concerned. To explore our tourism industry SF can play historical role if coordination and cooperation at Government level is made properly. Here I like to inform you that the security and maintain law and order should be the sole responsibilities of the police in this area .Separate law needed to be passed for protecting right of the SF personal and tourists. This cell may be responsible to organize and coordinate the local security system, deployed in key area and point, guard exclusive tourist zone, conduct emergency search and rescue operation, set up check point, protection. One Engineer Construction Battalion of Bangladesh Army may be engaged for developing infrastructure. (Paragraph 13)

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Recommendations
18. After through analysis this paper recommend followings: a. b. c. A technical team may be formed to ascertain the budgetary requirement of the Senior military officials may be added with Inter-ministerial Co-ordination and Details physibility study on FDI and comprehensive policy to be determined. infrastructural development and associated expenditure in this area. Implementation Committees member to address the security threat.

Mirpur Cantonment December 2007 (Total Words 6986) Annexes: A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Comparative Economic Key Indicators

MOHAMMAD ATIQUR RAHMAN Major Student Officer

Statistics on Hotel and Restaurants in Comparison with Other Sector of Bangladesh. Survey Result Basing on Set Questionnaires T & T Competitiveness Index-2007 T & T Competitiveness Balance Sheet International Tourists Arrival & Money Received Comparative State of Income/Expenditure (Taka in Lakh)

Distribution: Commandant Defence Services Command and Staff College Mirpur Cantonment,Dhaka

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1
2

Key Indicator, Country/Economy Profiles, Bangladesh at www. weforum.org/pdf/tourism/ bangladesh.pdf . Ibid P 139.

Personal interview with Sheikh Altaf Ali, Scretary, Civil Aviation and Tourism ,Ministry of Bangladesh on September

26, 2007.
4

Personal interview with Md Hafizur Rahman Bhuiyan, Additional Secretary, Chairman, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, National Tourism Organization, September 23, 2007.
5

Profiles Bangladesh, op cit P 138.

6

Profiles Bangladesh, op cit P 138.

7

A survey was carried out basing on a set questionnaire with fifty Army, Navy and Air force Officers having experienced of foreign mission and traveling in most of the continents.
8

Ibid .
9

Profiles Bangladesh , op cit P 138.

10
11

Major Tourism Spots at www.parjatanbd.com. Chairman, op cit .

12
13

Major Md Shohrab Hossain ,E Bengal, Bangladesh Army. www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd.

14

Survey, op cit.
15

www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd op cit
16

Lieutenant Colonel M Abul Hashem, psc, Shepherding Chittagong Hill Tracts Bangladesh Army Journal,40 th- Issue December 2006.
17

Survey, op cit.
18

Chairman, op cit.

19

Prema Cooray, Chaiman, Eco-Tourism properly defined ,CACCI Tourism Council at www.cacci.org.tw/acc %20newsletter/ctnnewsletter june2006.pdf
20

Survey ,op cit.

21

Bangladesh Tourism Vision 2020, edited by Dr M. Mahbubur Rahman Morshed, ex Chairman Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation P 111.
22

Chairman, op cit.
23

Survey , op cit . Secretary, op cit. Chairman, op cit. Bangladesh Map, published by Geo Consult, based on RHD, BIWTA ,BBS, LGED, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. Survey, op cit.

24

25

26
27

28

Hashem,op cit , P 95.

29

Survey, op cit. Vision, op cit,P 68. Personal interview with Major Direndar Mallah, Nepalese Army on December 06,2007. Key Indicator, Country/Economy Profiles, Nepal at www.weforum.org/pdf/tourism/nepal.pdf.

30

31
32

33

Vision,op cit,P 67.

34

Key Indicator, Country/Economy Profiles, India at www.weforum.org/pdf/tourism/india.pdf. Personal interview with Wing Commander S Sazan, Indian Air force on December 06, 2007. Profiles, Nepal, loc cit.

35
36

37

Profiles, India ,op cit ,P 220.

38

Vision, op cit,P 72.

39

Personal interview with Lieutenant Commander Kirthi Basnayake ,Srilankan Navy and Major Tharanga Nanayyakkarg, Srilankan Army, December 06, 2007
40

Vision, op cit, P 73.

41
42

Malyasia,Disney talks on theme park, New Age, October 01,2007. Vision ,op cit,P 69.

43
44

www.googlearth.com. Chairman,, op cit and Survey, op cit.

45

Survey, op cit.
46

Chairman,, op cit.

47

Personal interview with Squadron Leader Md Atiquzzaman, GDP and Squadron Leader Fakhruddin Masud, GDP, Bangladesh Air force on December 08 December.
48

National Tourism Policy, February 1992, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh P 4.
49

Vision, op cit, P 108.

50
51

www.toab.org/memberlist.html and Hotel of Bangladesh and Travel Agency(ATAB) List at www.parjatanbd.com Special Branch.

52

Personal interview with Abdul Hai, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on September 26, 2007
53

Chairman,, op cit.
54
55

Secretary, op cit. Ibid.

56

Hashem ibid, P 100. Secretary, op cit.

57

58

Brochures on tourists attraction places of Srilanka Malaysia, Nepal, Syria, Lebanon,, Egypt, Jordan, Cyprus.
59

Policy op cit , P 8.
60

Personal interview with Md Abdul Quddus, Joint Secretary, Director(Planning), Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, National Tourism Organization on September 23,2007.
61

Ibid.
62

Survey, op cit.
63
64

Vision ,op cit , P 66. Hashem, ibid ,PP 90-94.

65

Vision ,op cit, PP 48-52. Survey, op cit. Ibid. Ibid.

66

67
68

69
70

Ibit and Chairman,, loc cit.

Personal interview with Md Humayun Kabir, First Assistant Vice President ,Eastern Bank Limited , Tourists in Saint Martins Island during Cidr on December 08 ,2007.
71

Survey, op cit.
72

Ibid.