Sunamganj Bans Houseboats and Tourists from Tanguar Haor ECA

SUNAMGANJ — The Sunamganj district administration has imposed an immediate blanket ban on all houseboats and tourist vessels entering the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) boundaries of Tanguar Haor to safeguard its fragile ecosystem, biodiversity, and visitor safety.

The stringent measures were formally announced on Saturday through a public notice signed by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Minhajur Rahman, issued by the district administration’s business, commerce, and investment branch. Issued under the framework of the ‘Tanguar and Hakaluki Haor Protection Order 2025’, the directive outlines a 13-point emergency order aimed at restoring ecological balance and enforcing strict operational discipline across the wetland region.

Under the new regulations, all houseboats and commercial passenger vessels are strictly prohibited from entering or navigating within the designated ECA zone until further notice. Authorities warned that any breach of these mandates will attract immediate legal action.

To regulate remaining marine operations, the administration has made it mandatory for all houseboat owners and operators to complete official registration with the Deputy Commissioner’s Office by 10 August 2026. Unregistered or unauthorized vessels will not be permitted to operate under any circumstances following the deadline. Vessel owners have been directed to submit their applications using prescribed forms alongside necessary documentation, with the Nezarat Deputy Collector (NDC) of Sunamganj designated as the primary liaison officer.

Alongside the movement restrictions, the public notice enforces rigorous environmental and safety protocols on marine operators:

• Loud music, loudspeakers, and private party events on board houseboats are completely banned.

• Single-use plastics are strictly prohibited, and vessels must carry functional water purification filters.

• Houseboats must be fitted with functional septic tanks and a minimum of two waste bins; dumping any sewage or solid waste into the wetland is strictly forbidden.

• Vessel dimensions are capped at a maximum length of 100 feet.

• Ships must carry adequate lifejackets, lifebuoys, and fire extinguishers, alongside ensuring the safe installation and usage of gas cylinders.

• Operators must visibly display a code of conduct for tourists on board and brief passengers on these guidelines prior to departure.