Minister orders action against those behind parasailing death

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has ordered strict action against those responsible for the fatal parasailing accident at Cox’s Bazar, while calling for stronger safety measures to ensure secure tourism across the country.

The directive came on Sunday as the minister addressed a meeting of the verification committee for the proposed Manikganj District Tourism Circuit Development and Management Project at the Bangladesh Tourism Board headquarters in Agargaon.

Expressing deep sorrow over the death of a tourist during a parasailing activity at Cox’s Bazar beach, the minister instructed the authorities concerned to identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action.

She also directed officials of the Bangladesh Tourism Board to work closely with the Cox’s Bazar Beach Management Committee to strengthen safety standards and introduce preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Calling for a collective effort to ensure safe tourism, Afroza Khanam urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, tourism operators and local authorities, to work together to make tourist destinations safer for visitors.

The meeting also reviewed the proposed development of a district-based tourism circuit in Manikganj, with particular emphasis on promoting river-based tourism.

Officials discussed plans to establish a Tourist Information and Service Centre, a Handicraft Centre and a Lifeguard Service Centre as part of the proposed project.

The minister instructed officials to preserve and restore heritage attractions, including Baliati Palace, the Dhamrai Folk Art Centre and other historical sites, to enhance their appeal to tourists.

She said each tourist destination should be developed around a specific theme and stressed the importance of ensuring that local communities directly benefit from tourism development.

Afroza Khanam said Bangladesh’s tourism sector had seen little meaningful progress over the past 17 years and called for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to unlock the industry’s full potential.

She also announced that initiatives would soon be taken to open the guest houses near the Karnaphuli Tunnel and the Padma Bridge as tourism attractions for the general public.

The minister further encouraged the promotion of Bangladesh’s tourism potential through the Bangladesh Tourism Board’s official website, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, heritage and cultural attractions to domestic and international visitors.