Sunamganj, Bangladesh, Aug. 3: The Sunamganj district administration has imposed a ban on all houseboats and tourist vessels entering or operating within the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) of Tanguar Haor until further notice, aiming to protect the wetland's environment, biodiversity, ecological balance, and ensure visitor safety.
The administration has also directed all owners and operators of boats operating in the haor to complete mandatory registration by August 10.
The directives were announced in a public notice signed by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Minhajur Rahman and issued by the district administration's Business, Commerce and Investment Branch on Saturday (August 1).
According to the notice, the measures were introduced under the Tanguar and Hakaluki Haor Protection Order, 2025, which outlines 13 emergency directives intended to restore environmental protection and overall discipline in the wetland. Authorities warned that legal action would be taken against anyone violating the order.
The key directives include:
Tourist boat ban: All houseboats and tourist vessels are prohibited from entering or operating within the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) of Tanguar Haor until further notice.
Mandatory registration: All houseboat owners must apply for registration with the Deputy Commissioner's Office by August 10 using the prescribed form and required documents. Boats operating without registration or official approval after the deadline will not be permitted.
Noise pollution control: Loud music, microphones, sound systems, and all forms of parties or entertainment activities on houseboats have been banned.
Plastic and waste management: The use of single-use plastics is prohibited, and dumping waste into the haor is strictly forbidden. Every houseboat must be equipped with a septic tank, at least two waste bins, and a water purification filter.
Safety requirements: Houseboats must not exceed 100 feet in length and must carry adequate life jackets, lifebuoy rings, fire extinguishers, and ensure the safe use of gas cylinders.
Tourist awareness: Operators must prominently display visitor guidelines outlining permitted and prohibited activities and brief tourists before each trip. Emergency contact numbers for the district and upazila administration, police, fire service, and hospitals must also be displayed onboard.
Weather restrictions: Tourist transport and boat operations will remain suspended during severe weather, including storms, heavy rainfall, or thunderstorms.
The district administration said the directives have taken immediate effect and that regular monitoring will be conducted to ensure compliance and protect the ecologically sensitive wetland.
