Bangladesh’s Othiti Tourism Initiative Empowers Indigenous Communities

DHAKA: A groundbreaking initiative by Bangladesh’s largest development organization, BRAC, is empowering marginalized Indigenous groups by promoting community-based tourism in remote rural areas. The initiative, named Othiti (meaning “guest” in Bengali), aims to preserve the cultures of Bangladesh’s Indigenous communities while offering economic opportunities.

Bangladesh is home to over 50 Indigenous groups, with approximately 1 million people living in the northern and southeastern districts, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Launched in early November, Othiti’s pilot program is taking place in Rajshahi district, along the northern bank of the Padma River, near the Bangladesh–India border. This area, rich in culture and natural beauty, is rarely visited by tourists.

BRAC’s executive director, Asif Saleh, highlighted the importance of the initiative in connecting tourists with the traditions, customs, and lifestyles of Indigenous communities. “By bringing tourists to these culturally rich areas, we aim to foster a deeper connection and pride in our nation’s heritage,” he said. “We are looking to expand Othiti to other areas like the Sundarbans, Chottogram Hill Tracts, and Cox’s Bazar, where Indigenous communities can share their traditions with visitors.”

The initiative is also creating employment opportunities, particularly for rural youth. Students from Rajshahi University are being employed as part-time guides to introduce visitors to the customs and daily lives of Indigenous groups. Saleh emphasized the importance of trust-building between the communities and tourists, aiming for both cultural exchange and social enterprise.

The Othiti program also helps strengthen local economies by promoting traditional crafts. In the pottery village of Premtoli, tourists are given the chance to try their hand at traditional pottery-making, increasing demand for local products. “Visitors experience firsthand the craftsmanship passed down through generations, which boosts local artisans’ livelihoods,” said Moutushi Biswas, a BRAC consultant.

For local guides like 25-year-old Happy Soren, Othiti has been transformative. “Tourists are eager to learn about our customs and beliefs. Their visits not only help our village economy but also raise awareness about our community,” she said. “We believe that by experiencing our culture, tourists will carry our story back with them and support our village in the long run.”

Through Othiti, BRAC is not only creating sustainable tourism opportunities but also giving Indigenous communities a platform to preserve and share their rich cultural heritage with the world. The initiative holds the potential to empower local populations, improve their access to education, healthcare, and jobs, and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.