A five-star resort in Srimangal is now under construction at its 45-bigha site next to Lawachhara National Park in Moulvibazar. The resort plans to start its commercial operations by the end of 2010.Photo: STAR

A local company has endeavoured to build the country's first five-star resort in Srimangal, primarily targeting expatriate Bangladeshis visiting Sylhet and its environs.
Grand Sultan Tea Resort and Golf sprawling over 45 bighas is located next to Lawachhara National Park in Moulvibazar.
The resort will have 167 rooms, including 20 suites and a presidential suite.
"We hope to begin commercial operations by the end of 2010," Khawaja Tipu Sultan, chairman of Excursion and Resorts Bangladesh Ltd, the resort owning company, told The Daily Star.
Many expatriates -- largely from second and third generations -- visit home every year and they have the finances to afford luxury during their stay, but there are no such facilities that meet global standards, said Sultan.
He also expects the resort to attract foreign tourists who frequently visit the area and the Lawachhara forest for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity.
In addition to supporting several types of flora, fauna, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, the Lawachhara forest is a habitat for Hoolock Gibbons.
"Wildlife in the area attracts a good number of tourists around the year, but unfortunately, there is no world-class accommodation for them," Sultan added.
"We will include all the amenities of a five-star hotel in the resort, including strong security and world-class service standards," he said.
"The resort will be rated by globally renowned hotel rating agencies," Sultan said.
The total investment required to build the resort is estimated to be between Tk 65 crore and Tk 100 crore.
There will be a golf course on the premises that will host golf tournaments, while the resort could also be used to hold wedding functions, company annual general meetings, business summits and office and family tours.
Sultan said the government could also arrange international summits such as Saarc at the resort.
He said investment in the tourism sector involved a huge "risk factor".
"We are keen to develop the tourism sector and that's why we are investing here."
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