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The Chattogram district administration has taken an initiative to open up and redevelop a nearly 2.5-kilometre stretch of coastline from Patenga to Khejur Tola, aiming to turn the areas into attractive destinations for domestic and international tourists.
The plan envisages developing international-standard tourism infrastructure at Patenga while preserving the natural beauty and greenery of Khejur Tola to create an eco-friendly tourist destination.
The initiative aims to attract foreign and local visitors and create new opportunities for earning foreign currency through tourism.
The plans were announced on Sunday (November 8) during a cleanliness drive and an initiative to make Chattogram more aesthetically appealing at Khejur Tola beach. Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia presided over the programme.
Speaking as the chief guest, Director General (Secretary) of the National Institute of Local Government (NILG) Md Aminul Islam said the 2.5-kilometre stretch of Khejur Tola beach had unique natural beauty, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy both sunrise and sunset.
He said the area’s potential could be utilised to develop an attractive tourist destination. Joint cleanliness and awareness campaigns by the district administration and city corporation would also contribute to environmental protection, dengue prevention and tourism development, he added.
Chattogram City Corporation Administrator Dr Shahadat Hossain said tourism could become the country’s fourth major economic driver alongside the readymade garment industry, agriculture and remittances.
He stressed the need to develop specialised tourism facilities meeting international standards, saying that transforming Khejur Tola into a world-class destination could attract foreign tourists and generate substantial foreign exchange and government revenue.
Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin described the district administration’s weekly cleanliness campaign as an effective initiative, saying regular drives would help reduce dengue infections. He also expressed his commitment to modernising tourist destinations and making the entire district a model of cleanliness.
Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Mia said the district administration had been working since July to make Chattogram cleaner, more attractive and tourist-friendly.
As part of the initiative, the administration has planned to redevelop Patenga and Khejur Tola beaches.
“We want to open up the entire beach from the West Point of Patenga to the far end of Khejur Tola and develop the area aesthetically. However, we will preserve Khejur Tola’s natural green environment as much as possible,” he said.
The deputy commissioner said a decision was taken at a meeting on Thursday night to develop Patenga beach as an international-standard tourist destination, and infrastructure development work had already begun.
He said the two beaches would be developed with distinct characteristics, with modern tourism facilities at Patenga and an emphasis on greenery and natural beauty at Khejur Tola.
“We want to introduce this beach to the world in a new way. Its fresh air, green surroundings and beautiful sunrise and sunset views will attract tourists,” he said.
Highlighting tourism’s potential to earn foreign currency, Zahidul Islam said Chattogram’s beaches and natural attractions could make a significant contribution to the national economy if properly promoted internationally.
However, he noted that infrastructure alone would not be enough to attract foreign visitors. Ensuring tourist safety, quality services and adequate facilities would also be essential.
“We must ensure services of the same standard that foreign tourists receive in other countries,” he said, calling for coordinated efforts involving the administration, tourist police, media and tourism stakeholders.
He said the divisional administration, district administration and Chattogram City Corporation were working together to make the city more attractive.
The district administration also plans to gradually promote other promising but relatively lesser-known tourist destinations across Chattogram.
The deputy commissioner urged the media to highlight the region’s natural beauty and tourism potential through social media and international platforms.
Regarding the cleanliness campaign, he said drives were being conducted every Saturday in line with the prime minister’s directives to prevent dengue. This week’s programme was shifted to Sunday because of a state event on November 7.
“We are not just carrying out cleanliness drives; we are also working to beautify Chattogram and create pleasant spaces where our children can grow up in a healthy environment,” he said.
Describing humans as part of nature, he stressed the importance of conserving natural beauty and creating an environment where people could enjoy it.
Calling the Khejur Tola initiative the beginning of a new journey in tourism development, he said the district administration would continue its efforts to promote Chattogram’s natural attractions and establish a tourist-friendly environment.