Tourism Minister Calls for Collective Action to Ensure Safe Tourism Across Bangladesh

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure safe and sustainable tourism across Bangladesh, with particular emphasis on Cox's Bazar, the country's premier tourist destination.
The minister made the call on Sunday while addressing a meeting of the DPP Review Committee for the proposed "Development and Management of the Manikganj District Tourism Circuit" project at the Bangladesh Tourism Board headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.

During the meeting, participants emphasized the development of river-based tourism in Manikganj. Discussions also focused on establishing tourism information and service centers, handicraft centers, and lifeguard service facilities to enhance visitor safety and experience.

Afroza Khanam instructed the authorities to preserve, rehabilitate, and develop major heritage sites, including Baliati Palace and the Dhamrai Folk Art Centre, making them more attractive to tourists. She said each destination should have a distinct tourism theme and that new tourism initiatives should directly benefit local communities.

The minister noted that Bangladesh's tourism sector had seen limited progress over the past 17 years and stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies and private stakeholders to unlock the industry's full potential.

She also announced plans to open guesthouses adjacent to the Karnaphuli Tunnel and the Padma Bridge as new tourist attractions for the general public.

Encouraging wider promotion of Bangladesh's tourism potential, the minister urged stakeholders to utilize the Bangladesh Tourism Board's promotional platform to showcase the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage to domestic and international visitors.

At the beginning of the meeting, Afroza Khanam expressed deep sorrow over the recent death of a tourist in a parasailing accident at Cox's Bazar Sea Beach. She directed authorities to take strict action against those responsible and instructed the Bangladesh Tourism Board to coordinate with the Cox's Bazar Beach Management Committee to strengthen safety measures and prevent similar incidents in the future.