Sunamganj district administration has banned the entry and operation of all houseboats and tourist boats within the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) of Tanguar Haor until further notice to protect the wetland's environment, biodiversity, ecological balance and ensure tourist safety.
The directive was issued in a public notice signed by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Minhajur Rahman under the Tanguar and Hakaluki Haor Protection Order, 2025. It was published on the district administration's official Facebook page on Sunday evening. Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Matiur Rahman Khan confirmed the decision.
Under the order, all houseboats and tourist vessels are prohibited from entering or operating within the ECA boundary until further notice. Owners and operators of all boats operating in the haor have also been instructed to complete registration with the district administration by August 10. Those failing to register within the deadline will not be allowed to operate tourism services and may face legal action.
The notice requires operators to display a code of conduct for tourists in a visible place and brief passengers before every trip. Loud music, microphones and onboard parties have been banned.
Single-use plastics have also been prohibited. Every houseboat must have a water purification system for safe drinking water, while the maximum length of houseboats has been capped at 100 feet.
Operators have been instructed to display emergency contact numbers for the district and upazila administration, police, fire service and hospitals. Every vessel must carry sufficient life jackets, life buoys and fire extinguishers, ensure the safe use of gas cylinders, install a septic tank for sewage management and keep at least two dustbins for waste collection. Disposal of any waste into the haor or surrounding water bodies has been strictly prohibited.
The administration also banned tourist transport during storms, heavy rainfall, lightning or other hazardous weather conditions to ensure visitor safety.
Registration applications, along with the required documents, must be submitted to the deputy commissioner by August 10. The notice said unregistered houseboats, vessels and tour operators would not be permitted to conduct tourism activities.
