“Bangladesh to make tourism master plan soon”
The government will make a tourism master plan soon comprising short, medium and long term goals for turning Bangladesh into an attractive tourism destination in Asia, announced Md Mahbub Ali, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, as the Chief Guest at a pre-budget discussion on civil aviation and tourism sector held at National Press Club in the capital on May 6.
Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) organised the discussion in collaboration with Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) and Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) with the support of US-Bangla Airlines.
“We want Bangladesh to be the leading light in tourism worldwide,” the state minister said. The government together with all the stakeholders will take a mega plan for the development of the tourism industry and will implement it through joint efforts.
Md Mohibul Haque, Secretary for Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry attended the discussion as the Special Guest. Kanon Kumar Roy, Member – Tax Policy, National Board of Revenue (NBR) was also present on the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
The nation has all the tools to develop the tourism industry, and boost the national economy. “Also, it would not be wise to say nothing has been done over the last 47 years,” he stated.
The initiative of formulating tourism master plan will be reflected in the next budget. Under the master plan, the government will develop the tourism infrastructure and improve road connectivity to the tourism spots as well as upgrade the country’s international and domestic airports.
The secretary said that there is no budget constraint for the tourism development projects. However, it is difficult to implement the projects. Yet, the government would remain cautious to avoid spending money in unproductive areas.
Haque also said the construction work of the third terminal with 26 boarding bridge of Hazrat Shahajalal International Airport will start by July. The government has taken initiatives to upgrade the airport of Cox’s Bazaar and Sylhet as well. The runway of Cox’s Bazar airport will be increased to 9000 to 12000 feet to turn into an international aviation hub.
Imran Asif, CEO of US-Bangla Airlines, Abdus Salam Aref, Secretary General of ATAB and Masud Hossain, Advisor of TOAB presented separate keynote papers at the discussion.
Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor of Bangladesh Monitor, Taufiq Uddin Ahmed, President of TAOB, Khabir Uddin Ahmed, President of TRIAB, Zamiul Ahmed, Member of Bangladesh Tourism Board and Shakil Meraj, General Manager – Public Relations of Biman Bangladesh Airlines also spoke on the occasion, among others.
Nadira Kiron, President of ATJFB chaired the discussion. Md Tanzim Anwar, General Secretary of ATJFB delivered the welcome speech.
