TOAS denies robbery attempt on tourist vessel in Sundarban

KHULNA, Oct 5:  The Tour Operators Association of Sundarbans (TOAS) on Monday denied media reports of an attempted robbery on a tourist vessel in the Sundarbans, saying no tourist vessel was involved in the incident.

TOAS General Secretary Shah Zaman Khan Popul made the statement at a press conference at the Khulna Press Club.

He said Forest Department officials had visited the area after receiving information from local fishermen about the movement of a suspicious vessel around 9:00pm.

“However, no connection was found between the suspicious vessel and any tourist vessel,” he said, quoting the Forest Department officer concerned.

Popul said the officer also told TOAS that he had not given any interview to the media outlet that published the report.

He said TOAS had requested the media outlet to withdraw the report and express regret; as such reports could affect the tourism industry ahead of the tourist season.

TOAS member Takir said 45-50 tourists were aboard the vessel Web Queen on the night of the reported incident.

He said that while the vessel was approaching the Pashur River, another vessel contacted them and asked whether they were in danger or had heard any gunshots.

“We did not hear any gunshots or screams, or notice anything unusual,” Takir said.

He said several fishing boats and trawlers were operating in the area at the time.

TOAS leaders said clashes between fishermen and pirates could occur in peripheral areas of the Sundarbans and that Forest Department personnel regularly take action in such cases.

They said tourist vessels generally carry Forest Department personnel and security guards and stay near Forest Department offices at night.

The association said its members had been involved in tourism-related businesses in the Sundarbans for two to three decades.
TOAS leaders warned that reports portraying such incidents as threats to tourist vessels could create panic among potential visitors and harm the local tourism industry.