Gazipur resorts face declining appeal, management challenges

Over the past one and a half decades, 78 resorts, both large and small, have been established in Gazipur. Of these, only around 10 to 15 are considered standard-quality resorts. Most areas of the district, covered in lush greenery, are attractive destinations for outings.

Taking advantage of Gazipur’s proximity to the capital and the opportunity for families to spend their leisure time nearby, these resorts have been developed with a range of facilities. However, many resorts have been unable to maintain their previous position just a few years after opening. Locals say one of the main reasons is the failure to preserve sufficient space to maintain the character and overall appearance of the resorts.

Greentech Convention Centre was established in the Bhabanipur area of Gazipur more than a decade ago. Alongside accommodation facilities for holidaymakers, the resort has attractive cottages, winding paved walkways through green woodland, several indoor spaces and swimming pools.

A visit to the resort found Bhawal’s green forest surrounding it, accompanied by the chirping of birds. Those concerned said the resort is suitable for middle-class families because of its affordable rates.
Resort official Chanchal Mahmud said, ‘This resort will appeal to many people who want to enjoy the taste and beauty of nature.’

The image shows the attractive cottages of Greentech Convention Centre in the Bhabanipur area of Gazipur. Photo: ATT

Moniruzzaman, an official of a private bank who came to the resort with his family, said, ‘It does not take much time to explore the area within the boundary. However, the surrounding natural environment makes anyone want to spend time here. Several resorts in Gazipur offer only accommodation, food, and swimming pools. But they do not have enough rides for children.’

Another visitor, Shafiqul Islam, an official of a garment factory, said, ‘Although the resorts were established on a commercial basis, they have been commercialised excessively. Most resorts do not have rides for children to play on.’

However, Md Rubel, an official of Greenview Golf Resort in Sreepur upazila, said their establishment is suitable for people of all ages. Alongside adequate rides, it offers swimming pools, a mini children’s park, separate venues for different programmes, cottages and various other facilities.

A visitor to the resort, Montaj Uddin, said, ‘Although the facilities here are somewhat better than those at other resorts, the cost of using them is much higher. In particular, the entrance fee to this resort is high, which is beyond the means of ordinary people.’

Bhawal National Park in Gazipur was once bustling every day with thousands of visitors. On holidays, crowds would gather in the green kingdom of the sal forest. Rajendrapur National Park and Gazipur Safari Park, both developed through government initiatives, are also on the verge of losing their old appeal.

Soleman Faruk, a resident of the Bhabanipur Bazar area, said, ‘As Rajendrapur National Park is government-run, adequate renovation is not visible. Its area is vast, but visitors feel a shortage of necessary facilities for accommodation, food and recreation, as well as security. As a result, ordinary visitors may come to tour the park, but they do not expect to stay overnight.’

He said, ‘If a habitable environment and security can be improved at the national park, the government will be able to earn a record amount of revenue from this nature-surrounded park.’

The entire area was once vibrant with relatives, friends and shooting for dramas and films. Bhawal National Park was a particular attraction for people from across the country, not just the capital Dhaka. But over time, the picture of Bhawal National Park has changed.

Although the 5,222.29-hectare national park has enormous tourism potential, the number of visitors is declining day by day. Forest Department officials also acknowledge that the shortage of manpower has made it difficult to ensure security and management across all parts of the vast park.

A visit to Bhawal National Park found that only 14 people are assigned to manage the huge park. Although there are six entrances, only one is currently operational. The condition of the park for children inside the premises is also quite poor. Vines and overgrowth can be seen in various places. Most of the rides are broken and unusable.
There are several rest areas at different points in the park, but most are unusable. There are no suitable places to sit, while many areas are covered with dirt and waste. Most places have become covered with moss, vegetation and vines.

As tourism facilities under government management have declined, privately operated resorts and picnic spots are attracting visitors. As a result, Bhawal National Park is losing its former appeal while the government is also losing revenue.

Ariful Islam, range officer of the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department at Bhawal National Park, said, ‘There are problems with security in the park. Unpleasant incidents are occurring both during the day and at night in various areas from Rajendrapur to Masterbari.’

Speaking to visitors at Gazipur Safari Park revealed that there is a shortage of rare species of animals there. After some animals became extinct, there has been no new supply of those species. The animal enclosures have also become dilapidated. The number of visitors is no longer what it used to be. People’s interest in the park is gradually declining.

These resorts have not been free from allegations of land grabbing either. According to the Department of Environment, Bhawal Resort and Hotel X had been operating businesses in Gazipur occupying forest land and causing environmental damage. Legal action was taken against them for occupying forest land and operating without any environmental clearance. A civil case was later filed against the owner of Bhawal Resort to recover the land.

Green Paradise Resort in Sreepur, Gazipur, and the authorities of Ahmadia Agro Farm have been accused of illegally occupying around 21 bighas of government khas land. Reports on the matter were also published in various media outlets.

Alongside reports of such encroachment, administrative drives in Gazipur Sadar upazila and various other areas recovered nearly seven acres of forest land occupied by different resorts and hatcheries. The largest share of the recovered forest land was in Gazipur Sadar upazila.

Apart from this, the Anti-Corruption Commission had previously summoned several resort owners and brought them under legal accountability over allegations of constructing resorts and garden houses on government property and forest land.

Prof Dr Abiar Rahman, a teacher at Gazipur Agricultural University and dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, said, ‘For any country, a national park is not merely a reserved area; it is also a place from which the government can earn revenue. The problem in our country is that the government does collect revenue, but management is not properly maintained. Without this, it will not survive. Investment is needed for this.’

‘At the same time, environmental issues must also be kept in mind. Local communities should also be involved. For this, the government or Forest Department should bring together those working in eco-tourism, resort owners, students and local elected representatives, discuss the matter with everyone and take measures based on their recommendations,’ he added.

Inspector Kamal Uddin, in-charge of the Tourist Police Gazipur Zone, said, ‘There are a total of 78 resorts, both large and small, in the district. Among them are Sarah Resort, Greenview Golf Resort, Dream Square Resort, Sohag Palli Resort, Rajendra Eco Resort, Sabuj Pata Resort, Nandan Park, and Bhawal Resort and Spa. Apart from these, the others are not particularly suitable for outings. If one facility is available at one place, another is missing.'

'They also do not have enough rides for children. However, security arrangements are in place. They are under our surveillance. We do not receive many reports of unpleasant incidents,’ he added.