Blanket Ban Issued for Vessels Entering Tanguar Haor Wetland Zone

SUNAMGANJ — The district authority of Sunamganj has enforced an immediate prohibition on all houseboats and commercial tourist vessels entering the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) of Tanguar Haor, moving to protect the region’s delicate biodiversity and ensure visitor safety.

The policy was publicised on Saturday via an official notice endorsed by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Minhajur Rahman and released by the district’s business, commerce, and investment division. Formulated under the ‘Tanguar and Hakaluki Haor Protection Order 2025’, the mandate introduces a 13-point emergency framework designed to curb environmental degradation and restore order across the internationally recognized wetland sanctuary.

Under these statutory rules, no houseboat or tourist transport vessel may enter or transit through the marked ECA zone until further notice. Local officials cautioned that non-compliance will result in swift judicial proceedings.

To establish regulatory oversight over local operators, the district government has required all vessel proprietors to complete formal registration at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office by 10 August 2026. Unlicensed or unapproved craft will be barred from operating after the cutoff date. Proprietors must submit completed registration forms with supporting paperwork directly to the Nezarat Deputy Collector (NDC) of Sunamganj, who has been appointed to oversee the process.

Mandatory Operational & Environmental Directives

Alongside the entry restriction, the administration has instituted comprehensive environmental standards for all vessel operations:

• Sound Pollution Ban: High-volume music systems, public address megaphones, and organised social parties are banned on all watercraft.

• Plastics & Filtration: Single-use plastic items are barred from vessels, and operators must fit installed water purification systems.

• Waste Management: Vessels must feature functional septic systems along with at least two waste receptacles; discharging waste into haor waters is strictly forbidden.

• Size Specifications: Maximum vessel length is capped at 100 feet.

• Safety Protocols: Ships must maintain certified lifejackets, lifebuoys, and fire suppression equipment, while adhering to safety standards for LPG cylinder usage.

• Passenger Orientation: Operators must prominently post visitor codes of conduct on board and brief tourists on these rules prior to embarking.