The administration of Sylhet district has reopened several tourist spots, such as Jaflong, Ratargul Swamp Forest, and Tanguar Haor, to visitors on Sunday following improvements in the flood situation.
Tourists, tour operators, and boatmen have been instructed to adhere to administrative directives to ensure safety and order.
The decision to reopen these tourist spots was made by the Upazila Tourism Committee, contingent on favourable weather conditions in the district.
A team led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Saidul Islam from the Gowainghat upazila administration inspected the Jaflong tourist spot on Friday and Saturday to assess readiness for reopening.
To ensure passenger safety, boat owners and operators in Gowainghat have been directed by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Touhidul Islam to provide adequate life jackets for all passengers travelling by boat and other vessels.
Despite ongoing concerns with river levels, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) data indicates that the Surma and Kushiyara rivers remain above danger levels at various points. However, no rainfall was recorded in Sylhet on Sunday, according to the latest BWDB bulletin.
Tourist police have been deployed to all reopened tourist spots to enforce security and safety measures, demonstrating the administration's commitment to providing a secure environment for visitors.
Additionally, as a safety precaution, children under the age of 12 are prohibited from travelling by boat in Jaflong. Tourist police have been specifically tasked with ensuring the security of all visitors.
Initially closed on Tuesday due to deteriorating flood conditions, all tourist spots in Sylhet were reopened following the recent improvement, under the direction of Sylhet Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mobarak Hossain.
Previously, on May 30, the Upazila Tourist Development Committee, led by its convener, decided to close all tourist spots during the first phase of flooding. These locations were subsequently reopened on June 7.