Govt plans to develop Cox's Bazar as tourism hub
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam says the government has already taken multiple initiatives to modernise the hotels operated by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation in Cox's Bazar
ATT Correspondent 
The government has taken initiatives to transform Cox's Bazar, which is home to the world's longest natural sea beach, into a major tourism hub, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said on Thursday.
She made the remarks at a meeting held at the Finance Division's conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat to review an integrated future development plan for Cox's Bazar and its tourism sector.
The meeting was chaired by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Land Minister Md Mizanur Rahman Minu, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Sumon, and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo also attended.
An aerial view of Cox's Bazar International Airport. Photo: Bonikbarta
"We want to transform Cox's Bazar, home to the world's longest natural sea beach, into a tourism hub," Afroza Khanam said.
She said the government had already taken initiatives to modernise the hotels operated by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation in Cox's Bazar.
The minister also called for adopting an eco-tourism model for the development of Cox's Bazar and sought cooperation from all relevant stakeholders to establish the district as a major tourism destination.
She said the government hoped to inaugurate Cox's Bazar International Airport soon.
The interior of Cox's Bazar International Airport. Photo: Inspireli
"Once the new international airport is inaugurated, Cox's Bazar will become even more attractive to foreign tourists," she said.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said a new master plan would be prepared for Cox's Bazar in line with the tourism minister's proposal.
The new master plan would aim to transform Cox's Bazar into a modern tourism hub, he said.
The meeting also discussed the construction of visitor points along the Marine Drive and the establishment of a Blue Economy University in Cox's Bazar.
At the end of the meeting, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury directed the authorities to begin work immediately on a master plan to develop Cox's Bazar as a smart city, incorporating proposals from all relevant stakeholders.
Senior officials from the Finance Division, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and other relevant agencies attended the meeting.
