Harmony Festival begins in Sreemangal

A three-day Harmony Festival showcasing the rich cultural heritage, traditional food and handicrafts of ethnic communities began in Sreemangal on Friday, with the aim of promoting sustainable cultural and community-based tourism in Bangladesh.

The festival was inaugurated at Fulchhara Tea Garden Field by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, while State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat attended as a special guest.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the minister said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working to strengthen the tourism sector through job creation and the development of ethnic tourism.

She also pledged support for the establishment of an ethnic cultural academy and said plans were under way to expand Sylhet Airport to attract more international visitors.

"We want to present Sylhet to the world through tourism," she said.

State Minister Millat said the government's election manifesto places strong emphasis on community-based, ethnic and water tourism as part of efforts to ensure balanced regional development.

He said the Harmony Festival was organised by the Bangladesh Tourism Board to help preserve and revitalise the diverse cultural traditions of small ethnic communities.

He added that the unique lifestyles and cultural heritage of indigenous communities are among Bangladesh's key attractions for international visitors and could play an important role in expanding the country's tourism industry.

This year's festival features 27 stalls displaying traditional foods, handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, hunting equipment and other cultural artefacts produced by ethnic communities. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience traditional dances, music and religious ceremonies.

Officials said the festival is expected to boost tourism in Sreemangal and surrounding areas by promoting local culture and products while strengthening community-based tourism initiatives. A successful community tourism project run by the Manipuri community is already operating in the region.

The Bangladesh Tourism Board plans to organise the Harmony Festival annually in Sreemangal as part of its tourism product development and promotional strategy. The initiative is expected to help tour operators develop inbound tourism packages and enable foreign visitors to plan their participation in advance.

Organisers believe the festival will contribute significantly to the sustainable development of cultural tourism and support local economic growth.