Forest department’s sudden ban on parking vehicles inside Lawachara National Park in Moulvibazar have started impacting negatively on local tourism.
The decision, imposed without prior notice, came into effect on Wednesday.
Tourists travelling in private car or rented vehicles are now being forced to leave their cars alongside the Sreemangal–Kamalganj highway.
For many who come from distant places, this has led to serious inconvenience.
Locals argue that if the ban is truly aimed at conservation and environmental protection, authorities should engage stakeholders in dialogue to find a practical solution.
Otherwise, they fear the move could trigger fresh social and economic strains rather than easing ecological pressures.
Lawachara supports a web of livelihoods through hotels, resorts, cottages, restaurants, tour guides and small businesses. Thousands of people depend directly or indirectly on tourism at the park every day.
According to the locals, the step was taken following new instructions from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. But resentment has grown in the area as the measure was enforced without any consultation.
Nazmul Islam, range officer of the Lawachara Wildlife and Nature Conservation Department said the suspension of parking was introduced on orders from higher authorities.
Jamil Mohammad Khan, assistant conservator of forests at the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department added that discussions were under way to minimise the difficulties facing tourists.
