Govt unveils comprehensive plan to boost tourism: PM
The premier said the government’s election manifesto sets out five major commitments aimed at strengthening tourism
ATT Correspondent 
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government has adopted a series of short-, medium- and long-term plans to fast-track the development of the country’s tourism sector, describing it as a key driver of economic growth.
Speaking in parliament in response to a question from lawmaker Dewan Mohammod Salahuddin, the premier said the government’s election manifesto sets out five major commitments aimed at strengthening tourism.
These include ensuring tourist safety, introducing tourism-friendly policies, providing professional training for tour guides, and expanding areas such as culinary tourism, community-based tourism, ethnic tourism and water-based tourism. The government also plans to promote eco-tourism and rural tourism across the country, giving the sector a much-needed shot in the arm.
He said the initiatives are being designed in line with Bangladesh’s socio-economic context and the growing demand from both domestic and international tourists.
The prime minister further informed the House that a draft of the “National Tourism Master Plan” has already been prepared. The plan outlines a comprehensive framework for the sector’s long-term development, including new laws and policies, codes of conduct, and the establishment of tourism clusters.
It also focuses on preserving local heritage, improving infrastructure, promoting coastal tourism, protecting biodiversity, reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change challenges, leaving no stone unturned.
Describing the master plan as a strategic roadmap, Tarique Rahman said it aims to steer the tourism industry’s development over the next two decades.
He added that more than 30 districts in Bangladesh already have recognised tourist attractions, and the government is working to develop region-specific tourism facilities based on local heritage and culture. The goal, he said, is to ensure balanced tourism growth across the country while opening up new opportunities in previously underdeveloped areas.
