Firoz’s photos beckon droves of visitors

It wasn't the Bangladesh tourism board or any other government or non-government agency.

Instead, one of the reasons many tourists come to Panchagarh to relish the sight of the majestic Kanchenjunga peak is Firoz Al Sabah's fantastic photography, say locals and those involved in the district's tourism.

An enthusiastic nature-lover, 31-year-old Firoz delved into nature photography and birding when he was just a teenager.

His photographs of the Kanchenjunga peak had become quite an appeal for domestic tourists since he began posting them on social media in 2012.

Even in the face of trolls and rumours, Firoz did not let anything stop him from travelling to Panchagarh's Tentulia to see the beautiful mountain at this time of every year – when the peak is most visible.

Many social media users alleged that he took his photos from Darjeeling in India, claiming "the view cannot be so beautiful from Bangladesh".

Speaking to The Daily Star, he said, "I began photographing and posting photos of the Kanchenjunga peak since 2012 to help bring in more tourists. Locals of Tentulia used to call me mad.

"Once people began responding to my photos on social media, the number of visitors began increasing every year. Since 2018, after another photograph of mine went viral, the number further went up."

Kabir Hossain, confidential assistant of Tentulia Upazila Parishad for the past 10 years, told The Daily Star that Firoz's photography has played a huge role in the increase of tourists every year. "His pictures of Kanchenjunga have been published in many media and social media platforms. Even India's Anandabazar newspaper and the Indian Times have printed his picture."

During a recent visit to Tentulia, Laboni Islam, 32, freelance photographer and traveler, said, "I came to visit the upazila to witness the Kanchenjunga peak after I saw Firoz's photographs. They were beautiful! I will also be taking photos of the peak."

Restaurant owners in the upazila have been grateful to Firoz as their businesses have been booming.

Azizul Haque, owner of the popular Bangla Hotel restaurant in Tentulia, said, "Even just 10-12 years ago, not many people visited. Firoz bhai used to initially come and take photographs of rare birds to invite tourists. We used to think his work was futile. But when his photographs of Kanchenjunga went viral, the number of tourists increased so much that I can't even feed all my customers!"

Firoz, however, mentioned the lack of accommodation and guides for the tourists.

"The administration or private enterprise needs to have trained tourist guides for the visitors. There are many other peaks that can be seen from here which tourists may not know about. Guides can help them and teach them about the history of Panchagarh. Many people come here to see the Maharaja Dighi [pond], but only a few know the real history, especially of the 1,400-year-old Bhitargarh Fort."