Saiful Islam Kabir from Sundarbans

During the recent 3-day public holiday, tourist spots in Bagerhat—including the two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Sixty-Dome Mosque and the Sundarbans—experienced an overwhelming influx of visitors. Starting from Thursday (May 1) through Saturday (May 3), crowds of tourists have flooded the scenic Sundarbans.

The Sundarbans, a breathtaking and awe-inspiring forest, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, became a magnet for nature lovers. Families and tourists from across the country seized the holiday opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and serenity of the region. From children to seniors, people flocked to experience the 600-year-old architectural marvel of the Sixty-Dome Mosque and the world’s largest mangrove forest.

The ever-changing beauty of the Sundarbans captivates visitors—it is said that the forest transforms its appearance four times a day, each moment offering a different charm. Especially during the new moon or under moonlit skies, the Sundarbans reveal new faces of mystique and wonder.

A key attraction remains the Royal Bengal Tiger, followed closely by the enchanting spotted and Maya deer. Tourists, drawn to the mystery and biodiversity of this vast forest, have been enjoying boat rides through its creeks and rivers. Karamjal, Harbaria, Hiron Point, Kochikhali, and Dublar Char are among the most visited spots. Meanwhile, the banks of the Baleshwar and Bhairab rivers are also teeming with tourists.

The "River View Eco Park" along the Baleshwar River in Sharankhola has become a hub of activity, with visitors flocking there to bask in the scenic beauty of the wide river and clear skies. After a two-year tourism ban due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local and international tourists are once again returning to the Sundarbans in large numbers.

Many have explored different zones of the forest, mesmerized by its wildlife and diversity. Infrastructure improvements in places like Karamjal have made the area more attractive to tourists, with visually pleasing facilities and services.

The Sundarbans Forest Department clarified that while it is not the peak tourist season, the Eid holidays have drawn crowds nonetheless. Some traveled with friends, while others came with their families to make the Eid vacation memorable.

Yasir Arafat (29), a student from a private university, visited the Sundarbans for the first time with friends from Sirajganj. He remarked, "Why travel abroad when such stunning spots exist in Bangladesh? This place lifts your spirits. We'll definitely return."

Zahidur Rahman (38), a government employee from Pabna, visited again with his wife and two daughters after a previous trip during Eid. They were enchanted by the unmatched beauty of the forest.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of East Sundarbans, Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, said that Kochikhali offers the forest's greatest allure, followed by Kotka and Hiron Point. It takes 12–14 hours by trawler from Mongla to reach these spots. Kotka is home to a deer sanctuary and a watchtower that offers panoramic views of the forest’s splendor. Karamjal, too, has been a hit with visitors.

Nur Alam Sheikh, the Mongla coordinator of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), commented that the Sundarbans is arguably the most beautiful natural site in the country. First-time visitors often fall in love with it and keep returning.

Biplob Kumar Nath, OC of the Mongla Tourist Police (Sundarbans Zone), reported that tourists are arriving from far and wide. From Mongla, many take small boats to explore the forest, with police ensuring their safety and overall management.

Tourist Mohammad Kamruzzaman shared that visiting the Sixty-Dome Mosque and Sundarbans with his family amplified their Eid joy. He expressed his excitement at finally witnessing wild animals in their natural habitat.

Hawladar Azad Kabir, Acting Officer of the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding and Tourism Center, said the government holiday had resulted in a surge of visitors. Authorities are taking care to ensure that the large influx does not harm the environment, while maintaining visitor safety.

A custodian at the Bagerhat Museum noted the high interest among both domestic and international visitors in the Sixty-Dome Mosque, though staff shortages make it difficult to manage such crowds. Despite this, they strive to ensure a smooth visitor experience.

Sharankhola's Baleshwar River area has come alive with foot traffic, especially at River View Eco Park. The serene riverside, blue sky, and fresh air attract huge crowds looking to relax in a clean, natural environment. Sharankhola Upazila Executive Officer Sudipta Kumar Singh emphasized the area’s appeal as a tranquil escape from busy urban life. He added that festivals bring additional employment opportunities for local vendors and boat operators, and the number of visitors will likely continue to rise.