Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, MP, has called for joint efforts from all government and private stakeholders to ensure safe tourism across the country.
She made this call as the chief guest at the DPP Verification Committee meeting of the proposed project titled ‘Formation, Development and Management of Manikganj District-Based Tourism Circuit’ organized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board at the Bangladesh Parjatan Bhaban in Agargaon in the capital on Sunday (August 2) at 11 am.
The meeting gave special importance to river-centric tourism in the formation of a district-based tourism circuit in Manikganj. In addition, detailed discussions were held on the establishment of Tourist Information and Service Center, Handicraft Center and Lifeguard Service Center for the convenience of tourists.
The Minister directed the conservation, rehabilitation and development of other traditional tourism resources including Baliati Palace, Dhamrai Folk Art Center and other tourist attractions in a tourism-friendly environment. He said that projects should be taken up by determining a unique theme for each tourist area and the issue of linking new tourist destinations with the livelihood of the local people should be seriously considered.
Afroza Khanam said that there has been no significant progress in the country’s tourism sector in the last 17 years. Therefore, this sector should be taken forward through the coordinated efforts of government and private stakeholders. She further said that initiatives will be taken soon to open the guesthouses adjacent to the Karnaphuli Tunnel and Padma Bridge as tourist attractions for the general public.
In the meeting, the minister called for more effective promotion of the country’s natural and cultural beauty to domestic and foreign tourists through the promotional website of the Bangladesh Tourism Board **https://beautifulbangladesh.gov.bd/**.
Earlier, at the beginning of the meeting, the minister expressed deep grief over the death of a tourist in an accident that occurred while parasailing on the Cox’s Bazar beach. He ordered strict action against those responsible for the incident and directed the officials of the Bangladesh Tourism Board to take necessary steps in coordination with the Cox’s Bazar Beach Management Committee to avoid such accidents in the future.
At the time, he called for the cooperation and active participation of all concerned to ensure a safe environment in all tourist centers of the country, including Cox’s Bazar.
