SUNDARBANS SHOULD BE AN ECO-TOURISM SPOT 

Recently elected TOAB Director Nasir Uddin Badal, owner of Aral Sea and Sundori Eco Resort, has long promoted sustainable tourism, environmental conservation and local employment in the Sundarbans. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Observer, he discusses the sector's potential, key challenges and his priorities as a TOAB director.

Daily Observer: Congratulations on your election as a TOAB Director. How do you feel about taking on this new responsibility?  
Nasir Uddin Badal: Thank you very much. This is not merely a personal achievement; I see it as recognition of the tourism entrepreneurs working in the Sundarbans region. For many years, we have been striving to provide international-standard tourism services from outside the capital. The confidence shown in me by TOAB members is both an honour and a responsibility. 

Daily Observer: How do you assess the current state of tourism in the Sundarbans?
Badal: The Sundarbans possesses enormous tourism potential. Every year, thousands of domestic and international tourists visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, despite its immense attractions, we are still far behind where we could be. There are significant shortcomings in transportation, jetties, safe water transport, quality accommodation, trained tour guides and international promotion. 

Daily Observer: What inspired you to establish Aral Sea and Sundori Eco Resort?
Badal: From the very beginning, my goal was to build a tourism model that allows visitors to experience the beauty of the Sundarbans without harming its fragile ecosystem. We prioritized environmentally friendly infrastructure, local architectural styles and employment opportunities for local residents. Most of our employees come from nearby communities. 

Daily Observer: What do you consider the biggest challenges to developing tourism in the Sundarbans?

Daily Observer: How can tourism development be balanced with environmental conservation?
Badal: That balance is at the heart of eco-tourism. Sustainable tourism is possible only when nature is protected. We consistently encourage visitors to minimize plastic use, ensure proper waste management and strictly follow all guidelines issued by the Forest Department. The Sundarbans is one of Bangladesh's greatest natural assets. 

Daily Observer: How important is tourism to local communities?
Badal: Tourism plays a vital role in the local economy. Thousands of people living around the Sundarbans depend directly or indirectly on tourism for their livelihoods. Employment has been created in hotels and resorts, boat services, tour guiding, transportation, handicrafts, restaurants and other related businesses. 

Daily Observer: What should Bangladesh do to attract more foreign tourists?
Badal: We must strengthen global branding of the Sundarbans, simplify visa procedures, improve transportation and international-standard tourism services, expand participation in travel fairs, build stronger partnerships with foreign travel agencies and enhance digital marketing. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans should be promoted worldwide more attractively and professionally. 

Daily Observer: As a newly elected TOAB Director, what will be your priorities?
Badal: My priority is to bring tourism entrepreneurs from all regions of Bangladesh onto a stronger common platform. I will work to enhance professional training, skill development, safe tourism practices, digital promotion and policy support for the sector. Strengthening collaboration between the government and private stakeholders will also be essential. 

Daily Observer: How is climate change affecting tourism in the Sundarbans?
Badal: We are witnessing the impacts of climate change firsthand. Cyclones are becoming more frequent and intense, riverbank erosion is increasing, salinity is rising and biodiversity is under growing pressure. All these factors directly affect tourism as well. Building climate-resilient tourism infrastructure and strengthening conservation efforts are no longer optional-they are essential for the future of the Sundarbans.

Daily Observer: What message would you like to give to tourists?
Badal: I warmly invite everyone to visit the Sundarbans, but I also urge them to be responsible travellers. Please do not litter or use excessive plastic, avoid disturbing wildlife, minimize noise pollution and always follow the rules and guidelines of the Forest Department. 

Daily Observer: Where would you like to see tourism in the Sundarbans over the next five years?
Badal: My vision is to see the Sundarbans become a globally recognized model of sustainable eco-tourism, where environmental conservation and economic development progress hand in hand. I hope to see world-class eco-resorts, highly trained guides, safe and modern water transport, improved tourism infrastructure and a significant increase in international visitors.