The swamp forest, locally known as Kharatir Jangal, around Lakshmi Baor in Baniachang of Habiganj is attracting an increasing number of tourists and it could be turned into a revenue generating tourist spot if the authorities concerned take initiatives to develop it.
The natural forest around the wetland is about five kilometers north from Adarsha Bazar in Baniachang upazila of Habiganj.
According to Forest Department sources, the total area of the forest is nearly 1,000 acres, which is much larger than the well known Ratargul swamp forest in Sylhet. During the rainy season, the forest goes under water and during the winter the wetland dries up.
Travelers can explore the forest by a boat during the rainy season or they can walk around the forest when the wetland dries up during the winter.
Locals said the flora and fauna of the forest are rich in variety. During the winter the forest becomes a haven for the migratory birds. If the government takes initiatives to develop the area as a tourist spot then Laksmi Baor could become popular to tourists just like Ratargul is.
SM Khokan, a local, said many endangered animals occupy the forest, which could be a great attraction for the travelers if the government develops an infrastructure to provide necessary facilities for the tourists.
Md Saif Ali, a Forest Department official, told the Dhaka Tribune that they were considering a project to develop Lakshmi Baor as a tourist spot. If the government approves and realises the project then the area would be developed as a tourist spot which would benefit the locals in different ways, he added.