Barguna, Sept 28 (V7N) – The month-long Sharad Festival was inaugurated in Barguna on Saturday, coinciding with World Tourism Day, with a series of cultural and tourism-focused events. The festival, held for the fourth consecutive year at Suranjana Eco Tourism and Resort, was inaugurated by newly elected convenor of the Barguna District BNP, Md. Nazrul Islam Molla. Local tourism entrepreneurs, community leaders, and cultural figures, including newly elected district secretary Humayun Hasan Shahin, attended the ceremony.
 
The festival features a diverse lineup of activities, including recitation of classical texts (Puthi Path), traditional autumn songs, dance performances, and poetry recitations. Organized annually in collaboration with the District Tourism Entrepreneur Development Committee, this year’s month-long celebrations also include Hilsa Fish Festival, Pitha (traditional sweet cakes) Festival, Kite Festival, Moonlight Festival, and Sky Lantern (Fanuas) Festival.
 
Advocate Sohel Hafiz, president of the District Tourism Entrepreneur Development Committee, highlighted the natural attractions of Barguna, saying, “On one side lies the Sundarbans, on the other the endless Bay of Bengal in the south, and scattered in between are numerous small serene island forests. This festival aims to showcase Barguna’s natural beauty to a global audience.”
 
Earlier in the day, the District Administration organized a vibrant rally to mark World Tourism Day, followed by a seminar on the challenges and prospects of the local tourism industry at the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The seminar was chaired by District Commissioner Mohammad Shafiul Alam. Special guests included Additional Superintendent of Police Abdullah Al Masud, Additional District Commissioner (Overall) Onimesh Biswas, local political leaders, tourism entrepreneurs, and prominent figures from the cultural and social sectors.
 
During the seminar, a short documentary highlighting the issues and opportunities in Barguna’s tourism industry was presented by Advocate Sohel Hafiz, who also serves as president of the Barguna Press Club.
 
Additionally, in front of the District Commissioner’s office, Jalatarani, a local tour operator organization, organized an exhibition showcasing handicrafts and other tourism-related products to promote local culture and craftsmanship.
 
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