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How to transform Dhaka into a safe tourist spot 

Published : Sunday, 28 July, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 430
Momin Mahadi
The capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, is a city rich in history and tradition, with centuries of cultural and historical significance. Over the centuries, Dhaka has been known for its cultural and historical importance, which makes it a notable tourist destination in the modern era. Dhaka's history is ancient and diverse. Throughout different periods of history, it has been under various rulers and cultures. Established as a significant commercial and administrative center by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1640, Dhaka was known as 'Shahjahanabad' during the Mughal era and became prominent as a commercial hub. Notable examples of Mughal architecture in Dhaka include 'Lalbagh Fort' and 'Bubli Mosque.

Lalbagh Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture, was built in 1678 and remains a popular attraction for visitors, as does the Bubli Mosque, which showcases Mughal-era architecture and captivates visitors. Additionally, Dhaka's food culture is diverse and delicious, with traditional dishes such as 'Biryani,' 'Fuchka,' 'Chotpoti,' and 'Beguni Bhorta' forming a significant part of the city's culinary heritage. As an ancient and culturally rich city, Dhaka offers tourists a unique experience through its historic sites, cultural events, and traditional food.

Despite its developmental character and cultural significance, Dhaka is ranked sixth among the world's 60 most dangerous cities for tourists, according to Forbes' research. Dhaka has a score of 89.50 out of 100, while Singapore tops the list of safe cities with a score of 0. Forbes' report also indicates that Dhaka is frequently listed among the cities with the most polluted air in the world and ranks poorly on the list of least livable cities.

According to Forbes, the top cities in the dangerous list are Caracas (Venezuela), Karachi (Pakistan), and Yangon (Myanmar). The list of ten dangerous cities for tourists includes: Caracas (Venezuela); Karachi (Pakistan); Yangon (Myanmar); Lagos (Nigeria); Manila (Philippines); Dhaka (Bangladesh); Bogota (Colombia); Cairo (Egypt); Mexico City (Mexico); Quito (Ecuador)

Additionally, Dhaka is among the 50 cities in 50 countries deemed risky. Although Dhaka has an ancient history and diverse culture that could appeal to foreign tourists, it remains listed among the top ten most dangerous cities for tourists by international security agencies.

One of the major issues in Dhaka is severe traffic congestion. The city's roads are always busy, and the traffic problem continues to worsen. Due to this issue, it becomes difficult to get tourists to hospitals or safe places during emergencies. Moreover, the city's weak infrastructure and inadequate transportation system make it even more vulnerable. The levels of water and air pollution in Dhaka are extremely high, which is a major health risk. Pollution-related diseases and infection risks are particularly concerning for tourists. The lack of clean drinking water and the weak public health system further increase the city's health risks. The general crime rate in Dhaka, such as theft, burglary, and fraud, is relatively high. Tourists are at risk of falling victim to these crimes in an unfamiliar environment. Additionally, political instability and violence in certain areas pose a significant challenge to ensuring tourist safety. In Bangladesh, especially in Dhaka, the use of the English language is limited. Without knowledge of the local language, tourists might face difficulties in communication, which can hinder their ability to get help in emergencies.

Despite all these issues, I remain captivated by Dhaka. So, what should be done to free the city from these risks? Many have personally asked me this. As an activist in Bangladesh's politics, education, literature, culture, society, and economy, I would say that to address Dhaka's traffic congestion and infrastructure problems, the government should focus on improving roads and transportation systems. A modern and well-organized transportation system could alleviate the pressure of the city's population and ensure safe and comfortable travel for tourists. It is crucial to focus on improving the city's healthcare system and controlling pollution. Ensuring clean water supply and advanced healthcare services is necessary. Additionally, raising awareness about health risks for tourists is important. Improving law and order requires better training and capacity building for police and security forces. Special security forces could be deployed to ensure tourist safety. Providing proper guidance and information to tourists is essential. Tourists should have access to guides, maps, and emergency contact information in various languages.

Dhaka, my beloved city, is rich in culture and heritage, which can attract tourists. However, due to its various problems, it is currently on the list of cities that are risky for tourists. I believe that with coordinated efforts and initiatives, Dhaka can be transformed into a safer and more attractive tourist destination. For example, Singapore is at the top of the list of the world's 60 safest cities. No city from the United States or the United Kingdom has made it into the top three. The other cities are Tokyo in Japan and Toronto in Canada. Forbes publishes rankings of the world's 60 cities based on seven criteria: crime, personal security, health, infrastructure, natural disasters, and digital security. Singapore ranks first with a zero score, Tokyo in Japan is second with a score of 10.72, and Toronto in Canada is high on the list of safe cities with a score of 13.6. On the other hand, Caracas in Venezuela is at the bottom of the list of risky cities with a score of 100, followed by Karachi in Pakistan (score 93.12) and Yangon in Myanmar (score 91.67). The top 10 safest cities in the world are: 1. Singapore, 2. Tokyo (Japan), 3. Toronto (Canada), 4. Sydney (Australia), 5. Zurich (Switzerland), 6. Copenhagen (Denmark), 7. Seoul (South Korea), 8. Osaka (Japan), 9. Melbourne (Australia), and 10. Amsterdam (Netherlands). Singapore's position at the top of the list of safe cities is a testament to the excellence of its law enforcement, infrastructure, and social policies. In this article, we will analyze why Singapore is at the top in terms of safety and the various factors behind its success.

Dhaka, which is listed as the 6th most dangerous city in the world, is often compared to Singapore by the ruling powers. If we want to see Dhaka among the world's safest cities like Singapore, we must come together selflessly, with a deep love for Bangladesh and its people. This requires ensuring advanced law enforcement management, efficient use of technology, strict legal restrictions, social discipline, and successful government policies. Let us move forward with this aspiration and speak accordingly...

The writer is an Acting Editor, Daily PURBAVAS



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