Tourism in CHT to boost economy, curb tribal infighting

 
Virgin forests covering hills in southeastern Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Districts is waiting for investments in the tourism sector, which local officials and residents say would not only boost local economy, but more importantly curb tribal infighting. There are some hotels in the Bandarban, Khagrachhari and Rangamati hill districts, but local officials said five star hotels and resorts would go a long way to strengthen region's economy and also open a new destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Nilgari itself is a haven on earth and local branding is "Living In The Clouds," and that is no exaggeration. Like the clouds which kiss residents in the hills of Nepal, Bhutan or India, Nilgiri is no less. But, there is presently no class accommodation, except those belonging to the army or the Border Guard Bangladesh. There is also lack of recreational facilities to pass idle time, especially after sunset, when inter-district travel is discouraged as roads pass through dense forests.

From Nilgiri or even higher to a new location called Thanchi and Toma Tungi being developed by the army, the three highest hills are visible and can be compared with Australia's Blue Mountains or those in Europe. But there is a total lack of major campaign about these beautiful hills and in turn there has been little investment to draw upmarket tourists. Clouds kiss ones' body as it flies past and the fresh air mixed with eye-soothing green are a class by itself.

"Munlai Inclusive Tourism" project run by a private Bangladeshi company which provides outdoor tourism and have dedicated homesteads owned by tribesmen under a tripartite agreement is a beautiful village with homes designed by Shahrias Alam, a Bangladesh architect. "The residents are very welcoming as through this project they are earning," Alam told me.

Tourist accommodation is built next to a tribal home and is owned by the same landlord. Every home now has a garden and the tourists enjoy running water as well as English washrooms. 

However, the concern about security in the area die tribal infighting over supremacy and illegal (toll) tax collection is minimal, security officials said, adding the tribesmen now are neither fighting the army troops or attacking local residents or tourists, but are fighting among themselves also over their local political differences. The toll collection amounts to, as per official records, stood at Taka 381,69,18, 048 until 2020 and increasing. Where does this cash go is no secret --- for illegal activities mainly to buy weapons.

Officials who have a sound knowledge about the rugged, but scenic region, said boosting tourism will draw young men to make a decent living instead of joining criminal gangs involved in the incidents. "These young men become frustrated without proper employment and are lured by tribal groups," said a senior security official.

Such incidents should be ignored by the media and others as destinations like Jammu and Kashmir in India have major security issues, but they continue to invite tourists from home and abroad.

Tourism's share in the Gross Domestic Product is a mere 3.02 percent according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and the hills can raise the contribution. Both domestic and international tourism is rapidly increasing and the hills must immediately grab the opportunity to boost its economy.
The landmark Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Treaty was inked on 2 December 1997 between the Awami League government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Parbattya Chottagram Jono Sanghati Samity (JSS) led by Joyotindrtio Bodhoprio Larma or Sontu Larma who led the "Shanti Bahini" insurgents until the peace pact came into effect.

Travel from Dhaka or Chottogram to the hills is expensive for an average tourists or backpackers. Tourism officials said safe and affordable transportation is a must to bring such travellers from across the world.

There are similar hills in Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts with their individual characteristics which need to be projected by professional people, otherwise the hard work the men and women in uniform are taking to develop the region, bordering India and Myanmar, will fall flat.

Hotels are booked from mid-December, one local hotel manager told me as they hope a huge crowd turnout to overcome losses due to the pandemic.

Using "Chader Gari," locally improvised jeeps capable of driving steep hills, is no less fun for any tourist, although the vehicles sometimes touch the edge of the hills giving a kick in the stomach. Such vehicles too can be made more attractive.

Indeed, the hills are waiting for investors and tourists and authorities concerned should overcome resistance from some tribesmen in allowing tourism in the area mainly because what local officials said was a ploy to continue to exploit the young men for criminal activities..