Harmony Festival opens in Sreemangal to promote sustainable cultural tourism
Dhaka: A three-day Harmony Festival showcasing the rich cultural heritage, traditional foods, handicrafts, and lifestyles of ethnic communities began in Sreemangal on June 19, aiming to promote sustainable cultural tourism and community-based tourism in Bangladesh.
The festival, held at the Fulchhara Tea Garden grounds in Sreemangal, was inaugurated by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroz Khanam as the chief guest, while State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat attended as special guest, read a press release from the ministry.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the minister said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working to advance the country's tourism sector through job creation and the promotion of ethnic tourism.
"We are formulating plans to expand employment opportunities in tourism and develop ethnic tourism across the country," she said.
Responding to demands from ethnic communities, the minister also pledged to work towards establishing an Indigenous Cultural Academy. She further said the government has undertaken plans to expand Sylhet Osmani International Airport to attract more foreign tourists and strengthen Sylhet's position as a tourism destination.
"We want to showcase Sylhet to the world through tourism," she added.
State Minister Millat said the government's election manifesto places special emphasis on balanced regional development and the promotion of community-based, ethnic and water tourism.
He noted that the Bangladesh Tourism Board organised the Harmony Festival to help preserve and revitalise the diverse and endangered cultural traditions of ethnic communities while creating sustainable economic opportunities.
"The unique culture and lifestyle of indigenous and ethnic communities are among the key attractions for tourists visiting a region," he said.
The event was also attended by Members of Parliament M Naser Rahman and Md Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar, and senior government officials.
The second edition of the Harmony Festival features 27 stalls representing various ethnic communities, displaying traditional products, foods, clothing, jewellery, hunting tools and other cultural artefacts. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience traditional dances, songs, religious rituals and other cultural performances.
According to organisers, the festival is expected to contribute to the promotion of local products and traditions, strengthen the capacity of ethnic communities and expand community-based tourism in the region. A successful community tourism initiative run by the Manipuri community is already operating in the area.
As part of its tourism product development and promotional efforts, the Bangladesh Tourism Board plans to organise the festival annually on a fixed date in Sreemangal. Officials believe this will enable tour operators to develop and market inbound tourism packages while allowing foreign tourists to plan their visits in advance.
The initiative is expected to play a significant role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable cultural tourism in Bangladesh.
