Tourist spots in Sylhet came back to life after a long hiatus, with so many unexpected visitors during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays even though the coronavirus pandemic continues to sweep across the country.
Crowds of local visitors and tourists have been noticeable at every tourist spot in Sylhet, including Jaflong, Lalakhal, Ratargul, Bichnakandi, Pantumai, Bholaganj Zero Line and Bangabandhu Hi-Tech Park since the second day of Eid.
AKM Mosharraf Hossain, additional superintendent of police in Sylhet, said even though visiting tourist spots was still being discouraged, tourists were nevertheless seen thronging a number of tourist spots during the Eid holidays.
HM Shahidul Islam, a photojournalist from Sylhet who visited Bichnakandi, said that a large number of tourists had gathered there on Tuesday. “Hundreds of people, including young men and women, teachers, students, businessmen, people's representatives and politicians are seen here,” he reported.
Emran Hossain, CEO of Hotel Grand Surma in Sylhet city, said although the hotel had been open from the day after Eid, it had only a couple of rooms booked. “Before the pandemic, quite a few rooms used to be booked during Eid holidays.”
This correspondent, however, failed to contact Sylhet Deputy Commissioner M Kazi Emdadul Islam for his statement in this regard. It was the Sylhet district administration that had announced the closure of tourist spots to curb the spread of the coronavirus contagion in Sylhet.
Tourists visiting Sylhet said it was a district gifted with elements that signified nature at its most beautiful and that was why visitors from near and far were unable to resist its enchantment.
Jaflong, surrounded by the Meghalaya hills of India, the charming Pantumai waterfall, the crystal-clear water of Bichnakandi, the famous Swamp Forest Ratargul and the magnificent view of the white stone at the Zero Line in Bholaganj are a waste without visitors, they added.
