Anwara representative: Since the opening of the Bangabandhu Tunnel, the Anwara end of the tunnel has seen various socio-economic changes. Starting from factories, commercial establishments are increasing. New and improved hotels and motels are being built. Since the opening of the tunnel on October 28, the number of tourists at Parki Samudra Beach, one of the tourist centers in Anwara, has increased several times. This beach, the second largest in the country, becomes the face of tourists, especially during the holidays.
Parki Beach can be seen on the surface. Tourists from different places are coming to Anwara Beach through the tunnel in the morning. Across the beach, there were more long-distance tourists than local tourists. However, despite the increase in tourists around the opening of the tunnel, there were frequent complaints from tourists about Parki Beach.
A person named Mujibur Rahman, who came from the Alkaran area of Chittagong city in a private car, said that he came to Parki Beach from Alkaran through the tunnel because of the opening of the tunnel. But the necessary facilities for tourists have not yet been developed here. As a result of the opening of the tunnel, Anwara is now a suburb. Therefore, he also thinks that the Tourism Corporation should look separately at the tourism sectors of Anwara.
Morshedul Alam, who came from Sitakunda with his family, said that there is no good road to reach the beach here. You have to go down to the beach through broken roads. But money is being taken from the Upazila administration in the name of parking. The beach bushes are leaning. The beach has lost its natural beauty.
A young woman named Asmaul Husna said, I come to the beach almost on vacation. Here, the mind actually gets better. This time, mainly, come to see the tunnel. He said that Anwara Upazila is improving day by day. Along with this, it has become necessary to make the beach tourist-friendly. Touhidul Islam, who is in charge of Parki Beach, said there are three ways to get down to Parki Beach. None of which is correct. So tourists cannot go down to the beach area by car. An application has been made to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Zilla Parishad for beach roads and lighting.
Local UP Chairman and member of the Parki Beach Management Committee, MA Kaichum Shah, said that since the opening of the tunnel, there has been an increase in tourists at Parki Beach. He said, I will inform the UNO about all the complaints of the tourists. And tourism complex construction work is going on under the initiative of a tourism corporation centered on Parki Beach. Hopefully, gradually, all kinds of initiatives will be taken to make this potential beach suitable for tourists.
Regarding the law and order situation at the beach, Karnaphuli Zone Assistant Commissioner (AC) Arif Hossain said, except for Eid and holidays, there was not much tourist traffic at Parki Beach. But since the opening of the tunnel, tourists have been coming here every day. We are always active in maintaining the discipline of the beach. Those who disobey the ban and ride bikes on the beach are being impounded with fines. Also, any complaints from tourists are being addressed immediately. And the local public representatives have also been instructed to monitor this matter.
