The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Tetulia has undertaken several initiatives aimed at developing the physical infrastructure necessary to unlock the region’s immense tourism potential.
Tetulia, a scenic sub-district bordering the Himalayas in Panchagarh, attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists during the winter months.
From the banks of the Mahananda River in Tetulia, one can clearly view India’s Darjeeling, the Himalayan mountain range, and even Mount Kanchenjunga in Nepal with the naked eye.
This stunning landscape draws visitors year-round, yet despite such appeal, Tetulia has long lacked significant industrial or infrastructural development.
While the plain-land tea industry has grown in the region, the dominance of private syndicates has pushed local tea factories towards decline.
However, in recent years, Tetulia has been steadily transforming into a tourism-rich upazila. This progress has opened up new avenues for economic and social growth.
As a result, multiple development projects have been launched to enhance the region’s beauty, promote tourism, and improve education.
Key initiatives include the construction of the country’s tallest flag stand and premises at the Banglabandha land port zero point, along with gate and streetlight installations.
Additionally, a Shishu Park (children's park) is being developed on the banks of the Mahananda River in the old Tetulia market area, featuring various rides and sports equipment for children. Projects also include the upgrading of playgrounds for the physical and mental development of youths, distribution of footballs to primary schools, bicycles to students, and school bags to orphans. Classrooms and educational infrastructure are also being renovated, and tennis and volleyball courts are being built adjacent to the Officers' Club.
Efforts extend to social welfare too. Widow and vulnerable women are being provided with sewing machines for income generation, and wheelchairs are being distributed to people with disabilities.
Environmental activist and National Environment Award 2024 winner Md. Mahmudul Islam praised the initiatives, especially the construction of the Shishu Park and Mahananda Park, calling them timely and commendable.
UNO Afroza Shaheen Khasru stated that every project is being closely monitored to ensure public welfare.
She also highlighted new software solutions developed to prevent project duplication and ensure proper distribution of government benefits, seeking public cooperation for successful implementation.
