RANGAMATI: Rangamati deputy commissioner (DC) M Shamsul Arefin underscored the need for more private investment to develop tourism here in Rangamti district, one of the most treasured tourist spots of the country.
He further said tourism has developed a lot here in Rangamati but there are also some drawbacks which need to be addressed.
“Principles of investment and acquiring NOC have to be easier,” he opined.
DC Arefin came up with the assertion while talking to a team of Banglanews24.com at his office on Sunday (August 21).
He talked about the cultural and geographical diversity, prospects of tourism, future planning, various development works and digitalization in the largest district of the country.
“Tourism is a very important sector for the economic development of any country. The population of Bangladesh is 16-crore. If one percent of them feel interest to tourism the number will be 16 lakhs.”
“Of them, if 1.60 lakhs people visit Rangamati each year and spend Tk 5,000 here, the people of this district would get Tk 800-crore which will change their lifestyle,” he explained.
He further said the administration has been working within its limitations. “We have managed to make local people aware about tourism.”
Shamsul Arefin said, “To visit Sajek valley from Rangamati, one needs to go via Khagrachhari district. Forgetting the dissension local people are investing in tourism sector nowadays. The Headmen also are building cottages near their houses and earning money.”
“Tourists also have some responsibilities. They need to keep the spots litter-free. We have supplied dustbins to each and every boat that sails on Kaptai Lake but, sadly, even the boatmen do not use the bins properly,” he added.
The DC also mentioned that among the three hill districts, Rangamai is ahead in digitalization.
He said district council updates the district information in National Portal regularly, produces tools for monitoring programs conducted under development and social security activities, and introduces on online application system and make information about tourist spots easier for foreign tourists.
Besides, the DC office also works to provide information about hotels, motels, and spectacular tourist sites, and introduces district NGO portal, DC Office apps, Rangamati Tourism apps and solve problems through Facebook, he added.
Therefore, tourists will get solution on online by using smart phones.
Md. Shamsul Arefin also claimed that nowadays Rangamati is more secured and tourist-friendly than ever.
Administration has taken several initiatives, including installation of CCTVs at hotels and motels, controlling rental fees and reducing stalking, to ensure safety to the tourists.
He also said about future plan of launching Rangamati Tourism Portal and another portal naming Rangamati Heritage to introduce literature, cultural richness of this area, and construction of a Hi-Tech Park.
The tourism sector is under the District Hill Council and they are taking various steps in this regard, he added.
But, coordinated effort with District Council is essential for the development, according to the DC.
BDST: 1613 HRS, AUG 22, 2016
NJ/SR/RR
