Bangabandhu loved children very dearly. I had the rare opportunity to meet him through Sheikh Kamal (Bangabandhu’s eldest son). I have Bangabandhu’s personal touch on my hair and body. He had blessed me and embraced me when I told him that I was a student of Gimadanga Tungipara (GT) High School the same Institution from which Bangabandhu started his schooling. His blessing and word of wisdom changed my life forever and I have conquered every hurdle in my life very successfully. In the same way Bangabandhu loved his countrymen especially the rural people deprived poor as if they were all his children [1].

His courage had no limit. During his school days he had displayed extraordinary courage in front of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy when everybody including teachers maintained pin-drop silence. One boy stood up and expressed the truth with courage that the school is in a very poor condition and rain water leaks through the broken roof and it requires urgent fixing. Mr. Suhrawardy was impressed with his courage and saw him as the future leader of the country. Mr. Suhrawardy gave him the gift of his life and invited him to come and visit him in Calcutta. By the way the school was fixed with the instruction of Mr. Suhrawardy.

Later in life Bangabandhu went to Calcutta as a student of Islamia College and met him. Mr. Suhrawardy loved him very dearly and through him Bangabandhu came in contact with Sher-e-Bangla Mr. AK Fazlul Huq. Bangabandhu learn politics from this two towering political figure and took politics as part of his life. He became their favorite political companion and later in life his political acumen elevated him as the president of The Awami League. The central theme of his political Philosophy was: love your country, countrymen, and the natural beauty with your heart and take actions to alleviate the suffering of the common people in the rural area and protect your natural beauty. His philosophy is reflected in his action that his politics began with the grass root people and how their conditions can be improved. That is why everybody loved him in return so dearly and they were ready to make any kind of sacrifice including their life for the cause of the country [2].

His political philosophy was to raise his voice against any kind of oppression particularly if it is directed towards week and needy people which is proved by his solidarity with the demand of fourth class employees [3]. This support cost him very dearly and eventually took him to jail but he did not compromise.

After completing his BA from Islamia College he became a charismatic leader with the support and love of Mr. Suhrawardy and Sher-e-Bangla Mr. AK FazlulHuq. With his political philosophy he became a favorite political leader of common people. He traveled every corner of the country, met every kind of people, loved them like his own children, solved their problem with his own money and efforts and in return he won their heart and soul and their blessing. He could not and did not ignore the natural beauty of the country rather the more he travel the deeper were his attraction and bonding with the natural beauty of Bangladesh. In his leisure he shared his dream with the dearest and nearest friends and allies of him and our honorable Minister for Tourism and civil Aviation Mr. Rashed Khan Menon was one of them to whom he expressed his desire to transform Bangladesh as the Switzerland of Asia [4].

The aim is to extract as much information as possible about Bangabandhu’s Philosophical thoughts, his style of loving the natural beauty of Bangladesh and how his love for tourism developed, how he wanted to depict the natural beauty of Bangladesh to the wider world, how Switzerland became the role model for the tourism development of Bangladesh.

The article will also depict Bangabandhu as one of the greatest Philosopher and lover of natural beauty, how he wanted to develop them and finally expose them to the wider world. It is extraordinary for a great leader like him that he kept the idea of tourism development always on his priority list and he constantly looking for a model that will help him to build his Golden Bengal as a heaven for tourism. This article will provide documentary evidences why he should become the “Father of Tourism Industry”.

Finally this article will establish him as the “Father of Tourism Industry” through evidences, his propensity and argument based on the facts. The scope provides the opportunity to assess, investigate and justify awarding Bangabandhu as the “Father of Tourism Industry” of Bangladesh. It will not bring any benefit to Bangabandhu but the country will be glorified itself immensely through this recognition.

Who is Bangabandhu?

Bangabandhu (Figure 1) was born on 17 March, 1920 with a sacred soul that was lionhearted, adventurous, heroic, intrepid, gallantry, bold, fearless and full of courage. He was landed on the soil of Tungipara, started his schooling at Gimadanga Tungipara (GT) High School (Figure 2). But later he moved to Gopalganj Missionary School [5].

Figure 1: Bangabandhu The architect of Bangladesh and the “Father of the Nation”. (Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=images+of++bangabandhu&client=firefox-b-ab&biw=1366&bih=657&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=).

Figure 2: Bangabandhu began schooling at Gimadanga Tungipara High school. (Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=image+of+gimadanga+tungipara+high+school).

His father’s name was Mr. Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and his mother’s name was Mrs. Saira Begum. He was married to her cousin Begum Fazilatunnesa in 1942.They were blessed with 5 children of which Sheikh Hasina is the eldest of all and is our current Prime Minster – Desh Ratna. In 1939 when Chief “Minister Sher-e-Bangla” A K Fazlul Huq along with Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy came to visit his school, Bangabandhu lead a demand to repair the cracked roof in front of theses towering figures. Both iconic leaders were very much impressed with his courage and effectively that was the beginning of his political career. They invited him to move to Calcutta. Later Bangabandhu moved to Calcutta and finished his Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Islamia College. He became a student of the Department of Law, University of Dhaka but Pakistani Ruler and the Army snatched his studentship and put him jail as a result he could not finish his Law degree. They did not stop there on 26 March, 1949 he was unfairly expelled from Dhaka University because of his very active political role. The Senate Committee with the leadership of VC have reinstated his studentship of Dhaka University posthumously and made him a life member of Dhaka University. Such timely thoughtful action has Glorified the tradition and cultural heritage of Dhaka University by many times .Out of 24 years of Pakistani rule he spent about 12 years in jail but nothing worked to stop his success and fame in every corner of the country [6].

His political career effectively began with the inspiration of Mr. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and Sheer-e-Bangka A K FazlulHuq in 1939.In 1948 he co-founded East Pakistan Muslim Chatro (student) League. With the blessing of those two prominent leaders he very quickly became the “Uncrowned King of Bangladesh” politics of the then East Pakistan. His towering popularity became the biggest threat to the ruling Pakistani government and Pakistani Army accordingly they made several futile attempts to crush him down. He led the 1952 language movement in which Salam, Barkat, Rafique, Jabbar and Matiur sacrificed their lives on 21 February by police firing. His unprecedented popularity was proved in the 1970 election when he won the election with landslide victory which the world has never seen before and never will in the future. This victory should take its place in the Guinness book of records as a one off event. Our visionary leader must have foreseen something therefore he prepared the nation with his iconic speech at Ramna Race Course on 7 Match 1971 and I feel very privileged with my presence at the Race Course on that day. In that speech he effectively declared the independence and gave all the instructions that was necessary to achieve the victory even he is not there physically [7].

Instead of handing over the power to Bangabandhu the Pakistani army began to conspire, took Bangabandhu as prisoner and started killing innocent people from the night of 25 March, 1971. The Pakistani army sends Bangabandhu to west Pakistan on 26 March, 1971 and put him on trial as a traitor and their intention was to hang him with a brief trial but that could not happen with worldwide condemnation and pressure [8].

The heroic Bengali nation very quickly regrouped and put fierce resistance and eventually with the support of Indira Gandhi and Indian People the independent Bangladesh was born. The cowardly occupation army mercilessly killed 30 million people and raped 0.3 m women before the country clichéd its victory [9].

Bangabandhu was released from Pakistani jail and came back to Dhaka via London and Delhi on 10 January, 1972 [1] and took the charge as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Later he opted for Presidential form of government and became the first president of Bangladesh [10].

On 23 February, 1969 prominent elderly leader Mr.Tofail Ahmed MP and current Commerce Minister gave him honorary title of “Bangabandhu” and since then he was known as Bangabandhu. He was the architect of Bangladesh and now he is our “Father of the Nation” as he led the war of independence and gave us a new country called “Bangladesh” [11].

Philosophical belief of Bangabandhu

Everybody is sent to this world with a mission. Bangabandhu was sent to give us a free nation. The central theme Bangabandhu’s philosophical beliefs and political wisdom were to: Love your country and countrymen with your heart; Speak the truth under all circumstances even when his life was at risk; Create equal opportunities for all and protect his country from deprivation of any kind; Spread love and affection towards grass root common people and protect the interest of vulnerable groups; Always kept his head high with unusual courage and honesty; worked relentlessly to create a society where there will be no poverty, hunger and injustice; Always stand-by for causes of helpless, poor and needy by supporting them without any reservation; He was a person who was rationally and sensibly calm especially during circumstances when his life is at stack; Bangabandhu’s love for nature was unusual and his vision was not only to protect the natural beauty of Bangladesh but to preserve, enhance and expose the beauty to the wider world; Bangabandhu acquired his philosophical belief from his unusual courage, honesty, sincerity, his love for his country, and of course through his physical presence in all odd circumstances. His mingling style with common people cannot be explained with words and his understanding about the needs &wants, sorrows &happiness of poor people was phenomenal; he was a wise man who is calm in all circumstances and rational in all perception. All of his philosophical beliefs mentioned above were reflected in his character, action, judgments and utterances. Bangabandhu’s mission was to achieve the freedom from the oppression and suppression with saintly courage, determination and organized efforts by uniting everyone under one platform and under one ideological belief i.e. the historical 6-point demand of Bangabandhu [12-16].

His magical power to inspire common people

I have seen him leading a very simple life. His love for people had no bounds. He loved everyone with his heart especially the poor, the needy and the helpless lot. He helped everyone with everything even beyond his capacity to alleviate the sufferings of the grass root people. One of the best examples was his “expression of solidarity with the causes of fourth class employee’s demand” for which he was severely punished but he did move away from his stand. He never forgot that his origin came from rural areas and he always thrived to helped rural and poor people even when his own life was at risks. His unusual courageous voice with a kind heart, amazing love, astounding kindness, sensational feeling, for common people and the Mother Nature were his magical power to motivate people who have sacrificed their life honoring Bangabandhu’s call during language movement in 1952 and during war of independence in millions. He never gave up any of his mission in the face of any resistance from the government. So it is no wonder that he has been awarded with the titles of “The best Bengali soul of Thousand Years” and “The best Bengali Soul the Bengal has ever produced” and the writer would like to add that “Bangabandhu is the Best Political Figure the World has ever seen in the past and will ever produce in the future” [17].

His power of motivation is unique. There is no other example in the history that the entire country began the war of independence just because of one man’s call. They fought for the country, died in the millions and eventually clinched the victory and the new born Bangladesh was liberated on 16 December, 1971.

Unfathomable courageous Bangabandhu and his heroism

His immeasurable courage first flourished during his schooling at Gopalganj Missionary High School. Mr. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy was charmed by his courage and extraordinary voice and his unique style of delivering speech from his heart, who never delivered his speech looking at any script not even at the UN in 1974. He saw the leadership quality in Bangabandhu and trained him to become the “Uncrowned King” of roof shaking towering political figure that led every movement and finally gave his countrymen the taste of freedom with the gift of an independent country.

Bangabandhu did not have the word fear in his dictionary. Bangladesh had produced the most courageous soul the world has ever produced. He never gave up any of his mission to make the country free from deprivation under insurmountable environment of torture, punishment and imprisonment by the ruling Pakistani government. During the 24 years of Pakistani rule he was sent to jail for many times of which the total duration was about 12 years. He was about to be hanged twice but he never gave up his mission to free his people from oppression. In the face of worldwide condemnation and pressure Pakistani government did not dare to hang him. Bangabandhu told Pakistani ruler I will walk into the gallows with a smiling face but I will never betray with my people. He kept his promise, he briefed all his leaders how to act in his absence because he knew that he may go to jail any time and that does not affect the momentum to lead and continue the war of independence. With his prearranged guidance followed by the leaders eventually snatched the independence and awarded his countrymen a free independent country in his absence.

His heroism is displayed in every action he undertook. His heroism was coupled with his courageous action, understanding risky enterprises, rock-solid determination, dauntlessness, boldness, bravery, tenacity in combination with his calculated risk-taking adventure that created independent Bangladesh.

“A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed” and a bonding forever

Indira Gandhi was one of the few great leaders of her time. She was “A friend in need” and through her action she had proved that she was really a friend indeed. On the 25^th of March 1971 and thereafter the brutality and destruction of Pakistani army was continuously rising. The helpless people of Bangladesh began to flee India to save their lives. Millions of people were killed and injured by the limitless brutality of Pakistani Army and many millions of people went to India just to save lives. At that critical time Mrs. Indira Gandhi extended her hands of cooperation opened the border so that people can safely reach India. She gave them food, shelter, medicine and she also supported our cause wholeheartedly. Slowly and gradually Bangladeshi army, who fled to India, regrouped and started to train young people of Bangladesh in Indian soil and prepared them as “Mukti Bahini (Freedom Fighter)”.

Indira Gandhi had the political acumen, courage and leadership skills that she inherited from her father a very successful former Indian Prime Minister Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru. Without her (Indira Gandhi) whole hearted support to our liberation war Bangladesh would have been another Vietnam and the war would have been prolonged for many years instead of nine month it could have dragged to many years and many more millions of people would have been killed and many more people would have gone to India as refuge to save their lives. She supplied arms and ammunition and eventually took our side and ordered Indian Army to fight alongside Bangladesh army and Freedom Fighters (Mukti Bahini) against Pakistani Army to liberate our country.

As a nation Bangladesh will remain indebted to India forever and it is important that as a nation we always remember that in our heart and remain grateful to India and Indira Gandhi. This example of true friendship should be included in our text book so that our coming generation know the true history of our war of independence. Bangladesh should always acknowledge and remember India’s contribution gracefully. We should always maintain a very good neighborly relationship for mutual benefit and prosperity.

Upon return from Pakistani jail Bangabandhu requested Indira Gandhi (Figure 3) to withdraw all Indian military personnel from Bangladesh as soon as possible and as a true friend she did that at the shortest possible time, an example world has never witnessed and never will in the future. Bangladesh will remain grateful and indebted to Indira Gandhi and to Indian people forever. It is therefore very important that we always maintain a very good relationship with India as a sign of respect to them.

Figure 3: Indira Gandhi the best friend of Bangladesh (a friend in need is a friend in deed) (source: https://www.google.com/search?q=images+of+bangabandhu+and+indira+gandhi).

He loved and trusted his countrymen more than his own life

Bangabandhu has molded his political organization with his philosophy directed towards the alleviation of sorrows and grief of common people. Hence his political ideology began with the needs and wants of grass root level people and directed his party people for the betterment and development of the common people and the country. He was a real patriot and has always raised his voice against any oppression even when his life was in danger and eventually he sacrificed his life for the cause of the common people and the country. His love and affection had no limits and I have seen him embracing people from all walks of life from the top most academics and chief Justice in one hand while on the other spectrum he embraced the lowest classes of day laborers to land less farmers regardless of ethnic origin, creed or clan. He gave them everything he could possibly donate. That is why people from all walks of life loved him, supported him and awarded him with the landslide victory during the election of 1970. Due to the betrayal of Pakistani Army and ambitious Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Bangabandhu could not become the Prime Minister of Pakistan instead they conspire to destroy the country and kill all innocent people.

After becoming the Prime Minister of independent Bangladesh he did not live in the Ganobgaban to save national expenses instead he preferred to live in his own home at Road No- 32, Dhanmondi with minimum security. The defeated Pakistani army became furious to take revenge and they did not leave any stone untouched to kill Bangabandhu. They recruited Traitor Mustaq and his team to kill Bangabandhu. He loved and trusted his countrymen so much that even when Indira Gandhi informed and warned Bangabandhu that his life is in danger, he disregarded that warning by saying that those army officers are like my children they will not do any hard to me. But the traitor Mustaq and the notorious ambitious army officers not only brutally killed him but they killed his he entire family and extended family to make sure that no member of the Sheikh family remains alive but it is god’s will that she will keep Sheikh Hasina along with Sheikh Rehana alive to punish the traitors and culprits and the country has seen them punished by the full force of the law through Sheikh Hasina.

He fell in love with the natural beauty of the country

While he was touring the country he did not overlook the natural beauty of Bangladesh. A country with the most fertile soil of the world due to its origin from alluvial deltaic sediments came through the river network from the Himalayas, Shillong Plateau and Arakan- Yoma Mountain Ranges. Bangladesh is known as land of rivers. The huge abundance of soil assemblages and water resources has made our country unique. There is no country in the world which has rivers like the Padma and the Meghna or the Brahmaputra Rivers. Riverine and Maritime tourism has a huge potential and prospect in Bangladesh and Bangabandhu realized that very well and believed in his hear. The other natural features are its unique disposition of massive flat land bounded by the hilly foot hills of Shillong Plateau on the east and Arakan-Yuma Fool hills along the eastern margins of Bangladesh. This unique disposition and its beautiful natural vegetation assemblages is eye catching to everyone and Bangabandhu took a very good account of that as well. That is why he did not hesitate to call it Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal) like Nobel Laureate Rabi Thakur didthat many years ago and he spontaneously picked up Tagore song as our national Anthem.

His dream to depict the beauty of golden Bengal to the wider world

In 30 July, 1972 Bangabandhu went to England for a Gall bladder operation and from there he went to Geneva as health recovery trip. To him it was the heaven on earth and as a lover of natural beauty and the infrastructural development made by Switzerland at that time he has already made up his mind to take Switzerland as a model country to transform Cox’s Bazar as the “Geneva of Asia” and remodel Bangladesh as the “Switzerland of Asia”. Bangabandhu shared his dream with fortunate few of his fellow companion and our honorable Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Rashed Khan Menon is one of them. Bangabandhu expressed his dream to transform Bangladesh as the Switzerland of Asia. But unfortunate Bangladesh could not keep him alive to materialize his tourism dream that he cherished in his mind and shared with our honorable Minister because of those traitors Mustaq Ahmad and his team of derailed army officers assassinated him at Bangabandhu’s residence who always maintained a very low security. Bangabandhu did not want to live at The Gono Bhaban (the official residence of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, which is located on the north corner of the National Parliament House at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar) to reduce national expenses as he was having a tough time to rebuild the war torn country and to feed the hungry millions.

He is the best national tourist

There is no other political leader in the world who visited the entire country to see the condition of their people except Bangabandhu who have visited all the Thana’s/Upazillas and most of the villages of Bangladesh. His extraordinary love for common deprived people and attraction to the natural beauty of the countryside took him from one part of the country to another. He wanted to see the condition of the people by himself, listen to their problems and tried to solve them on the spot if possible. His unusual love for his countrymen and astonishing attraction for the nature brought him very close to the heart of the people and unquestionably he was moved by the natural beauty of Bangladesh. His extraordinary display of love, compassion and care for the nature and his affection towards his countrymen, forced him to travel and transform him as a great traveler and lover of tourism. His love for tourism inspired him to show the natural beauty of Bangladesh to the wider world. This idea became a determination after his trip to Switzerland in 1972. The writer will present here a very brief description of four iconic tourist destinations that defines the country’s natural boundary.

Teknaf: Is located on the bank of the Naf River. This river is the natural divide between Bangladesh and Myanmar. The entrance of this town is a hilly area and people visit this point to enjoy the beauty of Naf River (Figure 4) surrounding from the top of the hill. Its reserve forest provides a safe haven for the elephants and other wild animals. Teknaf is 92 KM south of Cox’ Bazar. Teknaf hilly area and natural parks are very popular to the adventure lover tourist. There are some caves in this area that attracts the tourists. It is the last border of the longest Coax’s Bazar Sea Beach. Riverine tourism transports are operated from Teknaf that connects the mainland with the wonderland of St. Martins Island.

Figure 4: Teknaf the border of Bangladesh (source: https://www.google.com/search?q=images+of+teknaf&client=firefox-b-ab&tbm).

Tetulia: Tetulia is the extreme northern border of Bangladesh with India. It is called the Zero point. Tutulia is also known as “The City of Dream” from here one can see the mighty Himalayas. It is the connecting point of silk road that will criss-cross within the greater Asia.

According to 1991 census it has a population of nearly 87 thousand with an area of 73.02 mi² under Panchagarh district. Tetulia (Figure 5) corridor is a proposed 4-6 km passage that would connect Chopra and Maynaguri of India via Tetuliaof Bangladesh. This corridor will reduce travel distance by 84 km between the two cities of India. It will facilitate business boom between the two countries. There is an organic Tea Estate in Tetulia own by Kazi and Kazi Tea Estate.

Figure 5: Tetulia northern border of Bangladesh with India (source: https:// www.google.com/search?q=images+of+tetulia&client=firefox-b-ab&biw).

Sundarban: Sundarban is the home of reptiles (Figure 6), Royal Bengal Tiger (Figure 7) and many other wild animals. The Mangrove forest located in the south-east corner of Bangladesh is the best gift of nature to our nation. It is also the home of millions of fauna and flora. If we can develop properly it will become the best cash cow to earn billions of dollars from millions of foreign tourist as well as our national tourists. All we have to is to build tourism friendly infrastructures applying sustainable and ecotourism principles. It is a matter of great pride that the Current Prime Minister has declared 2016 as the “Year of Tourism” and spending millions of dollars to construct massive infrastructure with the intention of tourism development that was Bangabandhu’s dream.

Figure 6: Sundarbanis famous for swampy Crocodile population (source: https://www.tourmyindia.com/wildlife_sancturies/sunderban-national-park.html)

Figure 7: Sundarban is world famous for its Royal Bengal Tiger population (source: https://www.tourmyindia.com/wildlife_sancturies/sunderban-nationalpark.html)/.

Due to hundreds of years of neglect our iconic Sundarbans is getting slimmer. As per The Prothom Alo (3 September, 2016) the area of Sundarban was 11,256 sq. km. in 1776, which had been premeasured as 9,279 sq. km. and according to the last survey in 2015 the area has been reduced to 5,467 sq. km. Climate change impact, uncontrolled human destruction and the effect of Farakka barrage and sea water encroachment had significant contribution along with many other reasons for this reduction.

Jaflong and Tamabil Border in Sylhet: The Golden Bengal begins from Jaflong located on the border between Sylhet of Bangladesh and the Meghalaya State of India. The Dauki River that came down to Sylhet through the zero point at Jafong is famous for boulder resources that are useful for the construction industry of Bangladesh. The crystal clear water attracts tourist to soak them like the lady at the Dauki River (Figure 8). The Khasi Tribe living at Jaflong area for thousands years.

Figure 8: Crystal Clear Dauki River Water and It is time to have a bath. (Source: https://www.google.com.bd/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=images+of+Janflong+sylhet).

Tamabil is only 5 km before Jaflong. A number of eye catching waterfalls are located around Tamabil area which flows down the foot hills of Meghalaya.

Bangabandhu a leading global tourist

Bangabandhu had a pretty long political career (although most of his youth he spent in Pakistani jail about 12 years in total) but unfortunately he had a brief pilgrimage (course) as a statesman. Yet Bangabandhu visited many countries either as a national leader or as a Statesman during his brief statesmanship. Very briefly I want to mention some selected foreign trips during which he didn’t miss any opportunity to see the natural beauty of those countries besides his official engagement as if he is looking for something within the natural beauty of foreign lands:

1957: Bangabandhu visited China and Russia as part of his official tour.

1962: He made a surprise visit to Pakistan (I mean West Pakistan).

1966: He visited Lahore and placed his 6-point demand before the selection committee of the national conference.

1972: Bangabandhu made his first official visit to USSR (Russia) as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

1972 and 1974: On 8 January 1972 Bangabandhu was released from Pakistani jail and flew to London for health check. From there he came to Dhaka with a short stopover at Delhi to meet and thank Indira Gandhi and arrived at Dhaka on 10 January.

1972 and 1973: Bangabandhu visited Japan the garden country of the world.

1973: He met a lot of world leaders at Algiers Non-Aligned Summit such as Marshal Tito, Fidel Castro, King Faisal and many other prominent leaders. 77 countries participated while 22 countries were also present as observer.

In 1774 Bangabandhu went to London and Switzerland.

1974; Bangabandhu paid a visit to Egypt.

The omnipresent pipe in Bangabandhu’s hand, His charismatic tall appearance and courageous engagement made him more impressive alongside the towering international personalities like Fidel Castro, Marshal Tito, Henry Kissinger, Andre Marlaux, Curt Waldheim, Ne Win, Colonel Gaddafi, Motubo, or Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

In 1974 Bangladesh became a member of United Nations and Bangabandhu delivered his historic speech at UN general Assembly in Bangla. After that historic speech he became of the greatest leader of the world.

His master plan to transform Cox’s bazar as Geneva of Asia

The Cox’s Bazar sea beach (Figure 9) is the longest natural sandy beach in the world. It is an unbroken beach and has a length of 125 km. It is renowned to the wider world for its tranquility and magnificent green scenario on a hilly background and the appealing waves on the front. Bangabandhu’s desire and vision was to transform Cox’s as the Vienna of Asia.

Figure 9: World’s Longest Unbroken Sandy Sea Beach at Cox’s Bazar.(source: https://www.google.com/search?q=images+of+cox%27s+bazar&client=firefox-b-ab&biw=1366&bi).

Transformation of St. Martin’s island as a tourism wonderland

It is a piece of paradise which has protruded into the sea at the Bay of Bengal. Bangabandhu wanted to transform “St. Martins Island” (Figure 10 and 11) as the wonder Island of the World after the Great Barrier Reef of Queensland, Australia. But he did not get the opportunity to use his imagination and vision to develop neither the “Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach” nor the “St. Martin’s Island”. If that tourism icon along with other iconic destinations can be developed through sustainable and ecotourism facilities then the country will have the potential to earn billions of tourist dollars and can become number one source of foreign currency earners. Then the nation does not need to wait until 2041 to attain the developed country status.

Figure 10: St. Martin’s Island (a coral reef island) (source: http://www.stmartinisland.org/media/rokgallery/a/a3838d9b-8be8-445a-88c6-559c7988c185/960863f4-11df).

Figure 11: The St. Martins island (The only coral reef in the country) http://www.stmartinisland.org/media/rokgallery/a/a3838d9b-8be8-445a-88c6-559c7988c185/960863f4-11df).

The demise of a tourism dreamer

The defeated Pakistani army became mad to take revenge and recruited the Traitor Mustaq and a team of ambitious army officers whom Bangabandhu loved them like his own children assassinated him with his entire family but luckily Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana survived as they were in Germany at that time. The army in the middle of the night buried him in Tungipara (Figure 12) under heavy security.

Figure 12: Bangabandhu was buried at Tungipara under heavy security after his assassination at the above mausoleum. (Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=images+of+tungipara&client=firefox-b-b&tbm=isch&imgil).

God carries out his justice in a very mysterious way. There is a famous quote in English that “When God closes the doors somehow he opens the window” for the sunshine to seep through. That window of hope is nobody else but it is Bangabandhu’s eldest daughter his own blood - the iron lady of Asia - our honorable Prime Minister – Desh Ratna - Sheikh Hasina. God kept Sheikh Hasina alive to salvage the country from darkness and punish those culprits.The Pakistani favorite governments ruled the country for more than two decades with their oppressive misrules, rampant corruption and they have systematically closed the door to put the killers of Bangabandhu on trial. Rather than punishing the successive governments rewarded, promoted and protected those self-confessed killers. The death of the “Father of Nation” took the country backward for nearly 25 years instead of progress and prosperity.

Reappearance of Bangabandhu

In the face of peoples opposition both the military rule and the Pakistani favorite government bow down and handed the peoples power to Sheikh Hasina to lead the country on the path of progress and prosperity. With the blessing of her courageous, bold, and visionary leadership the country now has a record US $30+ billion foreign currency reserve, the country’s economy has now has a solid foundation to build multi-billion dollar projects like Padma bridge with own resources, Nuclear power Plant, Four lane express highway, the third deep seaport at Payra and many more projects. The country used to import food when population was 7.5 crores (75 million) but with her governments revolutionary policies and actions(thanks to Matia Chowdhury, our honorable agriculture minister) the country now is not only self-sufficient in food but has become an exporter of food grains to neighboring countries. The list of progress and prosperity goes on.

The Iron lady of Asia – Desh Ratna - dearest Prime Minister - Sheikh Hasina with her alliance government managed to amend the constitution so that the killers of Bangabandhu, the collaborators and traitors during the war of independence in 1971, the August Grenade attack on Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders, can be put on trial. She also established the International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh (ICTB) to put on trial the war criminals through a long, tedious, and transparent trial process. The killers of Bangabandhu had been tried and punished with capital punishment. The war criminals have been tried and punished with the capital punishment. Some of them are still at large others are hiding in USA and Canada but one day she will bring them home to punish them because she is the daughter of Bangabandhu.

Sir Frank Peters call and Bangladesh tourism response

Sir Frank Peters has proposed a brilliant idea to celebrate the birth centenary of Bangabandhu (Figure 13) with the theme of promoting Tourism under the leadership of Sajib Wajed Joy (The Grandson of Bangabandhu – Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – the Architect and the Father of the Nation). Sir Peters correctly pointed out that Bangabandhu and Bangladesh is inseparable. He knew very well the tourism lover Bangabandhu and his dream to transform Bangladesh as the Switzerland of Asia. According to Sir Peters “To chair this, I propose Sajib Wazed (Joy), son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and grandson of Bangabandhu. I’m sure Joy would put his heart and soul effort to make it successful” [2]. He also stressed that the preparation of the program must start immediately as it is going to be the biggest attempt to showcase the potential of the tourism industry of Bangladesh to the wider world. Foreign travellers are habituated and expect seamless memorable tourism experience as money is not an issue to them. They want quality engagement in a fun loving environment. To make tourists life easier and their journey unforgettable the following requirements are very important: 1. The Hundred Day Celebration begins with visa less travel i.e. travelling during those 100 days tourists does require any visa and fee requirement should also be waived; 2. At the airport there should be separate immigration counter for Centenary Celebration Tourists; 3. Alternative Mode of transport should be arranged to avoid traffic congestion from airport to the hotel and to the tourist attraction sites; as for example those who want to go to the iconic spots directly helicopter transport should be ready for those 100 days; 4. Traffic congestion must be reduced to a tolerable level by getting ready light rail travel facilities before the arrival of Bangabandhu’s birthday; 5. Establishment and availability of limousine service should be fully equipped with ample service facilities – the aim is quick dethatch from airport to the destination with comfort and honor; 6. Modernization of Railway Service and foolproof Luxurious Riverine Transport and Luxurious Costal Transport at their fingertips; 7. The Attraction (tourism spots) must have the following facilities and amenities: A. modern eye catching transport facilities in and around the venue for easy movement from one attraction to the other; B. Modern cafes and restaurant scattered all around the venue; C. ample modern washroom facilities scattered all over the venue – the fact is while on holiday at the tourist attraction people walk more, frequently becomes thrusty and hungry very often so they eat more and frequently visit washrooms; D. plenty of ATM machine scattered inside and outside the tourist attraction; E. Easy collection of venue entrance ticket which require plenty of ticket selling booth scattered all around the venue so that people do not need to stay in long queues to collect ticket; and F. Finally plenty of entrance gates should be installed all around the venue for easy entry and exit.

Figure 13: Sir Frank Peters Idea of celebration of birth centenary of Bangabandhu. (source: Peters, Sir Frank Peters. (2016). Kick-start ‘real’ tourism in 2019, the birth centenary of Bangabandhu. The Asian Age).

Plenty of entertainment, amusement and attractions facilities inside the venue will keep the tourist inside for a longer time. The longer they stay inside, more money they spend, the more profit the facilities provider makes, government make more revenue and national economy gets stronger – that is the foundation of tourism business.

Above preparation requires years of hard work, plenty of funds, right architectural design, strong construction foundation and multiple highways to reach the venue. It is therefore vital that that those who will be engaged in developing those infrastructures, facilities, tourism product develop and their (tourists) movement from one venue to another requires utmost sincerity, honesty, dedication and hard work to complete them in time. The focal point is to make every tourists journey memorable event for life for them so that they come back again with their family and friends.

The writer is in complete agreement that this is a unique once-in-alifetime opportunities for Bangladesh to celebrate the birth centenary of the “Father of Nation” in 2019 and his unique proposal of celebration of 100 days surrounding the birth centenary should exceed expectation of all tourists.

Bangabandhu nurtured his tourism dream in his heart

Honorable Rashed Khan Menon was one of the fortunate few with whom Bangabandhu shared his tourism desire that he nurtured in his heart all the time. Since the independence he was always on the move to find out a model for tourism development that he finally found during his trip to Geneva, Switzerland. Since then Bangabandhu established Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) and he initiated the master plan to develop Cox’s Bazar under his direct supervision to fulfill his dream to trans form Cox’s Bazar (the longest natural sandy sea beach in the world) as Geneva of Asia. His next master plan was to develop the St. Martins Island (a piece of Coral reef paradise protruded in the at the bay of Bengal) as the wonderland of the world. Finally he desire was to transform Bangladesh as the Switzerland of Asia. The underlying motive was to attract millions of visitors to this wonderful country and earn billions of dollars in revenue and elevate the country in line with the developed countries. Bangabandhu’s dream was like the height of the Himalayas and his love and affection towards the nature and country was no less than Charles Darwin. His sky rocket dream encouraged him to begin planting Tamarisk (Jhau) tree along the famous natural sea beach of Cox’s Bazar.

Bangabandhu as “Father of Tourism Industry” will glorify tourism

The towering figure who was the architect and the father of Bangladesh and who got a place among the most prominent leaders in the world during his time by virtue of his successful leadership and made us proud as a free nation. On the basis of his philosophical belief, his affection and care for the countrymen, his love for the Mother Nature, his tourist adventure within the country and his love for national and international tourism mad us proud as a tourism loving nation. Our nation has a tradition of unparalleled hospitality coupled with Bangabandhu’s dream and vision to transform the country as the Switzerland of Asia, His master plan to reconstruct Cox’s Bazar as Geneva of Bangladesh and transform St. Martin’s Island as the dreamland for the world tourists this country will become a haven for tourist in the near future. Bangabandhu’s love for tourism industry and his contribution during his brief statesmanship is more than enough to officially recognize him as the “Father of Tourism”. Bangabandhu during his life time did not forget for a moment how the country can be made more attractive to the world tourists so that the tourists can get the opportunity to get the real taste of golden Bengal (Sonar Bangla). The architect of the country and the Father of the Nation if awarded with honor of “Father of Tourism Industry” will not benefit him in anyway but it will glorified the country manifold and tourism will get its highest level of recognition.

Authors Call to Declare Bangabandhu as the “Father of Tourism Industry”

On the basis of the foregoing interpretation, analysis and explanation of Bangabandhu’s love for natural beauty of Bangladesh and Mother Nature, his passion for tourism, his vision of tourism development and is engagement in tourism development he has already become the “Uncrowned Father of Tourism Industry”. When everybody is thinking what will happen next month or next year at that time Bangabandhu was thinking what will happen after fifty years or after hundred years. That is why he Bangabandhu he is in my opinion is the greatest leader the world have ever produced and I have every doubt whether the world will ever produce another Bangabandhu before the day of judgment. My humble request and I put forward very strongly to our honorable Prime Minister –The Iron Lady of Asia - Desh Ratna – Sheikh Hasina to declare officially Bangabandhu as the “Father of Tourism Industry” during his next birthday. Bangabandhu does not need, it will not benefit him in anyway but his recognition will glorify the country in many different ways and tourism industry will get its proper recognition.

• There is a saying that Bangalee’s are a nation of heroes and Bangabandhu has proved it in every possible way

• A new country with the name Bangladesh was born as a result of his lifelong contribution, immeasurable courage, rock solid determination and love for the country and his people. His unusual courage was first exposed in front of the then towering personalities like “Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy” and “Sheer-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq” at his Missionary School at Gopalganj in 1939. Both leaders saw a future leader in him, loved him, trained him and made way for him to become such a towering political figure of the world.

• Bangabandhu did not have the word fear in his dictionary, his voice was extraordinary, and his memory was sensational as he knew everyone by their name. Bangladesh have already given him the title of the “Best Bengali son of Thousand years”. According to our honorable Finance Minister Mr. A M A Muhith “Bangabandhu is the best soul Bengal has ever Produced” and very humbly the writer wants to recognize Bangabandhu is the “Best Political Towering Figure of the World”. The authors arguments in favor of this proposition are: he came from a remote village who neither had any political background nor he grew up in political environment but his unusual courage to speak the truth, his sensational voice, his support for the noble causes, his affection for poor, needy, weak and deprived section of the community were beyond any example in the world for which he was always ready to take any risk even when his life at risk, he lead the demand of fourth class employees, he lead the language movement in 1952, he lead the general popular uprising in 1969 and finally he lead the nation in general election and won with a landslide victory the world have never seen. A leader of such stature cannot be trained up but he was born to become the world best leader.

• He was a personality with a great heart. His political philosophy and ideology was built with the solid foundation of helping the poor and needy and establish equality for all regardless of origin, creed, sex and religious faith (religion is individual right but the celebration is for all). That philosophy began with grass root people and his politics was to bring equality in the society, save the country from deprivation and oppression created by the Pakistani Ruling Class.

• There is no record in world history that any other political leader has traveled every corner of the country like Bangabandhu did. He not only travelled every parts of Bangladesh he mixed and mingled with the common ordinary poor people, he hugged them, kissed them and embraced them without any hesitation and reservation and in return he own their hearts and minds and love. People have sacrificed their life and took the bullets during language movement led by Bangabandhu. The war of independence began with one man’s call that was Bangabandhu. The people sacrificed their life in their millions to achieve freedom.

• His unusual love to towards the Mother Nature and natural beauty was beyond imagination. His extraordinary display of love, compassion and care for the nature forced him to travel from one part to the other that he did not want to miss any example of beauty scattered all over Bangladesh. He maintained his dream in his heart to transform Bangladesh as a heaven for tourist. He was constantly on the move from one country to another as if he is looking for something i.e.- that is he is looking for a model to design country’s tourism industry in line with Switzerland. His desire was to transform Bangladesh as the Switzerland of Asia.

• When America asked Bangabandhu to give them St. Martin’s Island he did not take time to say no because his vision was to make St. Martin’s Island as a paradise for global tourists. He knew he could develop St. Martin’s Island with little money using local technology yet it would charm every tourist a making way for millions of dollars for the country. Similarly there are many other Islands scattered in the Bay of Bengal each of which could be developed as a little Disneyland in the Bengal making the way to earn billions of dollars in revenue. All other revenue earning sectors of development will be saturated one day but tourism industry will continue to grow and its demand will continue to go up like Disneyland until the Day of Judgment.

• Bangabandhu knew that tourism is the only sector that requires less money to make it acceptable to world travelers. The tourists do not want to see what they have already seen in Europe, America or South-east Asia. They want something new, something different and something that traditional. This country has ample iconic beauty scattered all over the country, along the beaches, in the foot hills, and in the off-shore Islands. All we need to do is to develop them with right kind of product and facilities, packed with elements of fun, amusement, entertainment, good food, world class sanitation, safety and security and plenty of transport facilities using local technology as well as luxurious cruise ship to move from one island of fun to another island. The tourists are ready to spend their money but we have to create the environment to make them happy and satisfied.

• Dhaka University (The Oxford of the East) has done a great commendable job that they have returned Bangabandhu’s studentship back which was taken away unlawfully by the Pakistani Government to defame him and to crush him but they failed completely because a lion cannot tamed. I congratulate the Senate committee of Dhaka University lead by the VC that they have overturn the previous decision and reinstated his studentship and on top of that Dhaka University also made him a life member a decision that has glorified the “Oxford of the East” immensely, the center of all political activities which lead all movements and eventually lead the liberation war.

• The omnipresent pipe in Bangabandhu’s hand was his diagnostic symbol. His charismatic tall appearance and courageous engagement made him more impressive alongside the towering international personalities like Fidel Castro, Marshal Tito, Henry Kissinger, Andre Marlaux, Curt Waldheim, Ne Win, Colonel Gaddafi, Motubo, or Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. But his historical speech at UN in 1974 made him one of the top statesmen of the world. After that historic speech he became of the greatest leader of the world.

• Bangabandhu gave highest priority on tourism development because he realized that it was the best way to earn billions of dollars from world traveler who would be happy to see the Golden Bengal and its hospitable people who may be poor in terms of money but they are very rich when it comes to hospitality where they are champion in the world. Bangladesh people are always ready to render their help, care and love to any stranger and particularly to foreign tourists with fair complexion but they don’t sell their love; it is free of charge to all our guests. Our hospitality can conquer the world if it can be mixed with international tourism guidelines. The author is very pleased to see that our Prime Minister –The Iron Lady of Asia - Desh Ratna - Sheikh Hasina is doing everything possible to boost tourism industry to fulfill Bangabandhu’s dream but my request would be to dismantle the bureaucratic deadlock and appoint the right expert at the right place i.e. the writer wanted to make humble request to the “Iron Lady of Asia” that she appoints tourism experts for BPC, Tourism Board and in the ministry (Appendices).

• It is the demand of the time that a separate Ministry is required to expedite the unlimited prosperity of the Tourism and Hospitality sector of the country. There are now 13 universities in the country that are offering graduation on Tourism and Hospitality. All the Chairman and teachers have the same united demand. The name of the Ministry could be “Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality affairs” or it could be “Ministry of Tourism and Culture” or there may be other names that might come from other tourism experts. The most important aspect would be that this Ministry should be out of the circle of the current Secretariat model. The Minister should be an expert on Tourism Industry, The Secretary should be an expert of the Tourism Industry and every policy makers should be an expert of the industry. This Ministry would be completely independent and report only to the Prime Minister – The Iron Lady of Asia – Desh Ratna – Sheikh Hasina.

• The writer believes that Sheikh Hasina knows a lot more about the dreams, desire and vision of Bangabandhu’s Tourism ambitions. Therefore she should become the Minister for the Tourism Portfolio while the deputy Minister and State Minister can do the job under her guidance and instruction as they will the experts from the industry. She has already declared “2016 as Tourism Year” and lot more is yet to come from her about industry. Bangabandhu has already started the master plan for tourism development in Cox’s Bazar. We should fast tract the development where he left the industry. He declined to give St. Martins Island to USA because he saw an endless tourism opportunity to transform it as tourist paradise. Bangabandhu was miles ahead of thinking about the future development for the only Coral Reef Island in Bangladesh, and that is the difference between Bangabandhu and other leaders of the country and global leaders.

• The Bay of Bengal has hundreds of islands and few dozen of island is very strategically located and each of which can be developed as a mini Disneyland. Such development would bring revolution in tourism and will become cash bonanza for the nation. The Riverine and Maritime Tourism if developed properly will become number one foreign currency earner for the country. I ask government to examine and begin development and complete its development before the centenary birthday of Bangabandhu. Make worldwide publication of centenary celebration of Bangabandhu and invite people from all over the world to join in the celebration. The publicity should begin immediately without any further delay.

• The brilliant idea of celebrating “A Bangabandhu 100’” came from Sir Peter Frank is a fantastic idea and a once-in-a-life-time opportunity for Bangladesh to show case its beauty of Bangladesh and respect its “Father of the Nation” in a befitting manner. The world will witness that the other name of Bangladesh is Bangabandhu. I salute his wisdom that he proposed the name of Sajib Wazed Joy (son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Grandson of Bangabandhu – Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to) Chair the Celebration Committee. Sir Frank believed and so do me that Joy would put his heart and soul effort to make it successful. It offers Bangladesh countless opportunities to compete with the tourism established markets (such as Thailand, Maldives, Bali and others). Bangladesh has the capability and local technology which in combination with modern technology will substantially generate untold business opportunities at relatively low cost [2].To grasp this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, work needs to begin on ‘Bangabandhu 100’ immediately. It requires extensive planning, the co-operation of many companies, organizations, international airlines, Media (TV, Radio and Press) and individuals both here and overseas to maximize its potential [2].

• Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Example: Ambitious eco-resorts are already in operation in different part of the country as for example “The Shuktara Nature Retreat (shuktararesort.com) in Sylhet is an amazing example of ecotourism. This retreat is designed and built by local architect using cluster of bricks and glass-walled buildings amid rolling hills. The Srimangal tea-growing area further south in Sylhet, DuSai (dusairesorts.com) is another example of Five-Star grand resort that is running on ecotourism principles. The Mangrove forests of Sunderbans could cash in billions of dollars in revenue from local and foreign tourists if it can be developed using sustainable and ecotourism principles.

• Effluent wealthy middle class is growing first in Bangladesh and is already bouncing the tourism industry and their participation in growing number is good enough to keep this business going. As for example if someone wants to travel to Cox’s Bazar or Kuakata during holiday time they have to book their hotel months in advance. Wilderness resort built among the hillside with infinity pools amid jackfruits and mango trees beautified with traditional and modern facilities, amenities, amusements and lots of fun element will bring revolutionary changes in tourism sector. With the arrival of foreign tourists in their millions will add billions of dollars in national revenue and will elevate the status of the country and minimize the gap between the Bangladesh and developed world.

• The appointment of tourism police is an excellent idea towards positive development of national tourism. It is true that safety and security is still a concern for foreign tourists in Bangladesh. The establishment of Tourism police is a milestone progress for the country’s tourism industry. People now feel more secure and safe with their presence but their number must increase quite quickly to cover the entire country. With proper training these Tourism police will bring revolution in providing safety and security to all kinds of tourists.

• The writer pays tribute and respect to “The Iron Lady” and acknowledge the contribution of – Desh Ratna – honorable Prime Minister – Sheikh Hasina for recognizing all our friendly nation for their valuable contribution during our war of independence. A noble task she is doing very efficiently and we are very proud of her. The most recent example of her farsightedness was to remember the support of late Canadian Prime Minister “Joseph Philippe Pierre Yves Elliott Trudeau” and while handing over a crest for the late Premier to the current Prime Minister (Justin Pierre James Trudeau, the son of late Prime Minister) she gracefully acknowledged his support and thanked him and the Canadian people for their support. If there is anybody left they should also be recognized and awarded either in their life time or posthumously.

• There are now 12 private University other than Dhaka University that offers Tourism and Hospitality degree. The last but not the least request to Desh Ratna – The Iron Lady of Asia – our honorable Prime Minister – Sheikh Hasina that in any future tourism development planning and program should be consulted with the Chairman’s and Professors of Tourism Departments about how rapidly growing tourism industry can be fast tracked in the right direction. A coordinated, consulted and collective tourism development program will last long and bring greater benefits locally, collectively and nationally.

• The author is in complete agreement with the honorable Minister Mr. Anisul Huq MP, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, that a commission be established that will investigate, find and will publish their name in public. A fair trial will punish those real mastermind behind the killing of Bangabandhu, 21 August, 2004 grenade attach and other important political killings. If that can be done then nobody will ever even dare to think to commit such a heinous crime once again. This will open up the environment for transparent and responsible politics and the country will show case revolutionary development which will become the milestone example for the world again.

• The author is an Australian Citizen as well as a proud Citizen of Bangladesh by birth and the author could spend the rest of his life in the best country of the world (Australia is the heaven on earth) with best possible clean environment, good food, and comforts, health care and with the best possible amenities of life. But the author strongly believes that he has some debt and a social responsibility to the country where he was born and grew up with the tax payer’s money. With that responsible feeling the author has come back to Bangladesh in 2011 and working since only because of the fact that the author has rediscovered Bangabandhu through the H E Prime Minister – Desh Ratna – The Iron Lady of Asia. The author also wanted to join with the politics of Awami League and with that intention he went to Election Commission to obtain his voter ID card which he has got but the commission told him that he does not qualify to become an MP as he is also an Australian citizen. To become an MP the author has to surrender his Australian citizenship. The country has awarded dual citizenships to millions of qualified Bangladeshi citizen working overseas and they are now able to cast their vote through High Commissions and Embassy’s all over the world with dual citizenship. The author will ask H E Sheikh Hasina to open the door for those thousands of educated, qualified, sincere and honest people who would sacrifice everything and like to come back and join with H E Sheikh Hasina’s team like the author to fast track to achievement of developed country status and to materialize Bangabandhu’s dream to build Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal). Please allow the dual citizens who would like to become an MP and want to join with your team as the author does to become involved with the development of the tourism sector and transform the country as the heaven for tourists of the world.