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SYLHET, Mar 29, 2025 (BSS) - Tourist destinations in Sylhet are expecting a huge influx of visitors from Eid day onwards for the following five days due to long holidays.
 
Numerous tourists visit Sylhet every year for its natural beauty and religious sites, particularly the Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) shrine, for which Sylhet has earned a reputation as a "Holy Land".
 
Authorities have taken wide-ranging preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay for all visitors, with law enforcement agencies implementing adequate security measures. The Sylhet district administration is actively finalising last-minute arrangements, including cleaning and beautifying the sites, to attract holidaymakers.

Nature lovers are expected to flock to popular tourist resorts such as Jaflong, Bholaganj-Sadapathar, Bichhanakandi, and Ratargul. The region's picturesque hills and lush tea gardens are major attractions, with many tourists preferring to visit the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Shahparan (RA).
 
Other notable tourist destinations include Lalakhal, Sripur, Pantumai, Mayabati Jharna, Jaintia Rajbari, DB Haor, Lovachara, and Madhabkunda in Barlekha. Additionally, the scenic confluence of the Surma, Kushiyara, and Barak rivers in Zakiganj, Tekerghat in Tahirpur, and Shimul Bagan are popular among visitors. Highlights of the monsoon season include Tanguar Haor and Hakaluki Haor in Moulvibazar, while the lush tea gardens in Srimangal, Satchhari National Park in Habiganj, and the serene Madhabpur Lake further enhance the region's appeal.
 
Sylhet city is famous for its notable establishments, including Kinbridge, Ali Amjad's Clock, Chandni Ghat stairs, Jitu Mia's House, Khadimnagar National Park, Shahi Eidgah, Raja Gaur Gobind Tila, and the Lakkatura and Malnichhara tea gardens. Local parks, such as Osmani Shishu Udyan and M. Saifur Rahman Shishu Park, are also popular recreational spots for visitors.

The pineapple gardens on the rolling hills of Golapganj, developed through individual initiatives, attract many tourists.
Tourism entrepreneurs hoped that if the weather remains favourable, approximately one million tourists will visit various attractions during the Eid holidays.

Sylhet Meteorological Office assistant meteorologist Shah Md. Sajib Hossain has predicted that the weather will be favourable until April 5, as no rain will occur for a week following Eid day, but temperatures are likely to rise.
Hotel and motel operators stated that tourists have started making advance bookings, with around 50 per percent of hotel rooms already reserved. Some accommodations have bookings extending to April 8-9.
 
Abu Tahir, manager of Hotel Metro International in Sylhet, said that they are still receiving requests for reservations and many guests have confirmed bookings for April 2 and beyond.
 
Sumath Noori Jewel, former president of the Sylhet Hotel and Guest Owners Association, said that Sylhet and Cox's Bazar are the favourite tourist destinations during Eid holidays.
 
"The closure of Indian tourist visas and the long Eid holidays are likely to lead to a massive influx of tourists to Sylhet and Cox's Bazar," he added.
 
Khandaker Sipar Ahmed, former president of the Sylhet Chamber and owner of Rainbow Hotel and Guest House, said that about 50 per percent of hotel rooms have been reserved in advance. The administration has taken initiatives to enhance facilities and amenities for incoming tourists.
 
Gowainghat Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Ratan Kumar Adhikari stated that Jaflong is expected to see a huge number of tourists, attributing this to improved communication systems. He assured that all necessary safety measures have been taken for tourists.

Companiganj Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Azizunnahar mentioned that various law enforcement agencies will collaborate to ensure tourist safety.

To prevent any harassment of visitors, separate meetings between transport providers and ghat leaseholders were held.
 
Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry President (Acting) Faiz Hasan Ferdaus said that the long holidays this year are expected to attract more tourists than in previous years due to the suspension of Indian visas.
 
He stated that around 60-70 per percent of hotel and motel rooms have already been reserved, anticipating a positive outcome for businesses and helping tourism entrepreneurs recover losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Tourist Police Inspector (Unarmed) of Sylhet Region Golam Dastagir Ahmed stated that tourist police have made comprehensive preparations to ensure safety and security for the tourists.