Salim K Surattee, Assistant Vice President of Mana Bay, shares a glimpse of what to expect from Bangladesh’s most exciting water park.
How has your career path led you to your current role as Assistant Vice President of Mana Bay?
I have been with the leisure and entertainment industry for several years now. For the last 14 years, I worked with Universal Studios, and before that, Cartoon Network, Warner Brothers, DC Comics, Disney, Hasbro, Mattel and various other licensing companies. The owners of Mana Bay invited me to come to Bangladesh. Mana Bay had not yet opened but I could already see the vision. It was poised to become the most exciting entertainment destination in the country. The owners had brought people from Disney and Universal Studios, much like myself, to assist with its operations. They recognised that I understood and shared their vision which led to my appointment as the Assistant Vice President of Mana Bay.
I’ve been here for nearly a year and a half now and I see huge potential in the country’s recreation industry. With the right approach, the tourism sector can be elevated not only for Mana Bay but for Bangladesh as a whole. This will open up markets for visitors from China and India to come to Bangladesh and appreciate the type of attraction that Mana Bay offers.
Assistant Vice President
Mana Bay
What specific initiatives and transformations are you planning for the entertainment industry in Bangladesh through Mana Bay?
Mana Bay is going beyond the realm of just a water park. The water park is operational now, and we are planning to construct a hotel. Afterwards, we aim to extend into the Meghna River to build exotic river villas and arrange river cruises similar to those in Bangkok. We will also offer river sports like jet skiing, paragliding, banana boats, and more. Right after that, we hope to build a proper take-off site for hot air balloons, like in Turkey and Australia. Finally, we have plans to build a proper indoor arena that can house 20,000 to 25,000 people. The arena will not only be able to host various sporting events like cricket, tennis, and soccer, but it will also have the modularity to be transformed into any other sports arena, such as an ice-skating rink like Dubai’s Snow World. Virtually, any up-and-coming entertainment event you can think of, this space can accommodate it.
Since its inauguration last year, how has Mana Bay been received by the public?
The reaction has been fairly mixed so far. Some people have said that the ticket prices are a bit too steep, while others who have visited the park have said it is well worth the visit just for the view alone. I would say that Mana Bay is something to be very excited about. We strive to provide the highest quality and safety standards and we have invested a considerable amount in training and certifying our lifeguards, ensuring constant maintenance and cleanliness of the park, and delivering an unforgettable experience to visitors.
In what ways do Mana Bay distinguish itself from other amusement parks in Bangladesh?
Mana Bay is worlds apart from other amusement parks in the country, whether in terms of water quality, safety, or maintenance. I have been to around 58 water parks worldwide and what caught my eye with Mana Bay was how beautiful it is. Especially in the evenings in Munshiganj, where it is located, the colours in the sky paired with the vastness of space that Mana Bay provides create a magical view unparalleled by any park I’ve been to.
Mana Bay is worlds apart from other amusement parks in the country, whether in terms of water quality, safety, or maintenance.
Mana Bay provides exceptional amenities that are truly innovative. For instance, we have integrated a luxury Eden Spa directly into the water park, a feature that’s usually found in hotels or as separate facilities. Additionally, with limited play areas for children today, Mana Bay stands out by featuring eight rides specifically designed for them. These unique attractions not only provide entertainment but also offer a refreshing experience for both children and their families.
What exciting developments can we anticipate from Mana Bay in the near future?
Mana Bay Water Park has thrilling developments on the way, with plans to launch several exciting events. With a capacity of 15,000, these large-scale events will expand entertainment options for the younger generation. We are making dedicated efforts to bring international artists to perform at Mana Bay. This is great news for Bangladesh, as there will soon be no need to travel abroad for world-class concerts – we’re bringing them right here.
Photograph by Najmul Haque Sagor.
