11-Point directive issued as houseboats face ban in Tanguar Haor

The Sunamganj district administration has banned the entry and operation of all houseboats and tourist vessels in the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) of Tanguar Haor and introduced an 11-point directive aimed at protecting the wetland's ecosystem and biodiversity.

The directive, issued on 1 August by the district administration's business, trade and investment branch, has been enforced under the Tanguar and Hakaluki Haor Protection Order, 2025 and will remain in effect until further notice. Authorities warned that legal action will be taken against violators.

As part of the directive, all houseboat owners and operators have been instructed to apply for registration with the deputy commissioner's office by 10 August using the prescribed forms and required documents. After the deadline, no houseboat or tourist vessel will be allowed to operate without official registration or approval.

The new rules ban loud music, microphones, parties on houseboats, and the use of single-use plastics. Operators have also been directed to install water purification filters, septic tanks, and at least two waste bins on every houseboat, while dumping waste into the haor or any waterbody has been prohibited.

The directive further limits the maximum length of houseboats to 100 feet and makes it mandatory to carry adequate life jackets, lifebuoys, and fire extinguishers, while ensuring the safe use of gas cylinders.

Houseboat operators must display a code of conduct for tourists in a visible location and brief visitors before every trip. Emergency contact numbers for the district and upazila administration, police, fire service, and hospitals must also be displayed on board.

In addition, operators have been instructed to ensure proper waste management during every tour and suspend tourist transport during adverse weather conditions, including storms, heavy rainfall, and lightning, while prioritising passenger safety.

The district administration said the order has taken immediate effect and that monitoring and enforcement will be strengthened to ensure the protection of Tanguar Haor.