Sunamganj Administration Tightens Regulations Following Surge in Tourist Deaths at Tanguar Haor
Photo Collected
SUNAMGANJ, Bangladesh — A surge in fatal accidents at Tanguar Haor has prompted local authorities to enforce strict regulatory measures for tourism operators, as the popular wetland destination grapples with a string of drowning incidents. Over the past four months, five tourists, including children, have lost their lives in the area, with three of those deaths occurring within the first 20 days of August alone.
The most recent tragedy took place last Thursday when Abdul Mased, a 24-year-old student from Rajshahi, drowned after jumping from a houseboat into the water while the vessel was docked at a local market wharf in the Tahirpur region. Similar incidents have claimed the lives of children and adults alike, often involving falls from moving houseboats or while attempting to swim.
Local officials blame the rising death toll on a widespread disregard for safety protocols. Despite government directives requiring the use of life jackets and orderly vessel operations, many tourists and operators remain non-compliant. Investigations into recent fatalities, including that of 10-year-old Rokaiya Nur on August 21 and 72-year-old Ali Akbar Khan on August 7, revealed that none of the victims were equipped with life-saving flotation gear.
Tanguar Haor, a sprawling 12,655-hectare wetland spanning the Tahirpur and Madhyanagar upazilas, has become a major tourist hub, drawing visitors to its 109 small and large bill (wetland basins). Currently, more than 600 vessels—comprising over 200 luxury houseboats and approximately 400 smaller boats—operate in the area.
Following a review by the Tanguar Haor Protection Implementation and Monitoring Committee, the Sunamganj district administration has issued a 13-point directive. The mandate requires all vessels to secure formal registration within two days or face legal consequences. As of Thursday, however, only 49 operators had submitted applications.
Additional District Magistrate Md. Matiur Rahman Khan stated that the administration is now conducting mobile court operations twice a week to enforce environmental and safety regulations. “Unregistered vessels will no longer be permitted to transport tourists,” Khan said, adding that authorities plan to intensify legal action following the expiration of the two-day grace period.
Industry stakeholders, including Arafat Hossain, president of the Houseboat Owners Association of Bangladesh, acknowledged the lack of safety equipment on some vessels and emphasized the need for greater awareness. However, environmental activists argue that systemic regulation is long overdue. Kasir Reza, president of the environmental group Paribesh O Haor Unnayan Sangstha, urged for the strict implementation of all safety directives, noting that a lack of discipline remains the primary driver of these preventable tragedies.
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