Bangladesh remains one of South Asia's lesser-known travel destinations despite its rich natural and cultural diversity. From the tea gardens of Srimangal and the bustling streets of Dhaka to the vast mangrove wilderness of the Sundarbans, the country offers experiences that appeal to travellers seeking authenticity rather than luxury.
Yet while tourism presents new economic opportunities, particularly for communities living near major attractions, concerns are growing over its environmental impact. Nowhere is this debate more visible than in the Sundarbans, where conservationists, local residents and authorities are grappling with the challenge of balancing tourism growth with environmental protection.
According to the Bangladesh Tourism Board, around 650,000 foreign tourists visited Bangladesh in 2024. Tourism entrepreneurs say the country continues to struggle with an international image shaped largely by reports of natural disasters, poverty and political instability rather than its tourism potential.
Many foreign visitors, however, leave with a different impression. Travellers often praise Bangladesh's river culture, rural markets, historic neighbourhoods and the hospitality of local people. Industry insiders believe these authentic experiences are increasingly attracting adventurous travellers interested in destinations beyond conventional tourist routes.
The Sundarbans remains one of the country's biggest attractions. The mangrove forest draws visitors interested in wildlife, rivers and the unique ecosystem that supports a wide range of plant and animal species. Tourism has also created opportunities for local communities living around the forest, with some residents earning additional income through guiding services and tourism-related activities.
However, local residents warn that the forest continues to face environmental threats.
Kamrul Islam, a forest fisherman from the Patharkhali area of Koyra upazila, said poison fishing remains a serious concern despite efforts to protect the forest.
"Even though we are free from the hands of forest poachers, we are not free from the harmful effects of poison," he said.
According to fishermen, poison fishing enables large catches within a short period but causes significant damage to aquatic ecosystems. They said fish populations can disappear from affected canals for up to 15 days after poison is used. Fish eggs and fry are also destroyed, affecting future breeding and reducing biodiversity in the forest's waterways.
Fishermen believe the practice is gradually harming not only fish populations but also other aquatic life that depends on the rivers and canals of the Sundarbans.
At the same time, tourism-related development is creating additional concerns.
Forest Department sources said there are currently seven tourist centres in the Sundarbans: Karamjal, Harbaria, Katka, Kachikhali, Dublar Char, Hiron Point and Kalagachi. These sites attract between 200,000 and 250,000 visitors each year.
Authorities are also developing new ecotourism centres in Alibandha, Andharmanik, Shekhertek and Kalabagi. Some of these locations have already been opened to visitors.
While such projects are intended to expand tourism opportunities, local observers have raised concerns about their environmental impact. Recent visits to parts of the forest found evidence of trees being cut or partially damaged during the construction of tourism facilities.
Waste left behind by visitors has become another growing problem. Plastic bottles, food packets, polythene, disposable plates and other rubbish have been found in forest areas and waterways. Local residents also report that loud music played on tourist boats and excessive noise made by visitors can disturb the forest environment.
Environmentalists warn that increasing tourist activity without proper management could place additional pressure on one of the country's most important ecosystems.
The Forest Department says it is working to address these challenges. Sundarbans West Divisional Forest Officer AZM Hasanur Rahman said regular drives are being conducted to stop poison fishing in the forest.
He said awareness campaigns are also being carried out through tour operators to encourage responsible behaviour among visitors and reduce pollution. In addition, the department has introduced reward programmes to help prevent wildlife poaching and trafficking. The growing debate over tourism in the Sundarbans reflects a wider challenge facing Bangladesh. Tourism can generate income, create jobs and support local communities. At the same time, poorly managed tourism can damage natural resources and threaten biodiversity.
As Bangladesh seeks to attract more visitors, the challenge will be ensuring that economic benefits do not come at the expense of environmental sustainability. The country's natural attractions remain among its greatest assets, but protecting them will be essential if tourism is to contribute to long-term development.
For the Sundarbans, the future may depend on finding a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the fragile ecosystem that makes the forest unique.
