Govt sets up National Tourism Council to drive sector growth

Dhaka: The government has formed a National Tourism Council to strengthen coordination and ensure sustainable development of Bangladesh’s tourism sector.

According to a gazette notification, the council will be chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and will include several key cabinet members.

Among those on the council are Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Khalilur Rahman, and Afroza Khanam, along with other senior officials. State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat will also serve as a member, while the secretary of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry will act as member-secretary.

The council will be responsible for guiding tourism policy, overseeing development plans, and improving coordination among different ministries and agencies involved in the sector. It will also focus on attracting investment, promoting public-private partnerships, and expanding Bangladesh’s tourism presence at national and international levels.

Officials said, the body will review proposals, monitor progress on tourism-related commitments, and take decisions on key issues when needed. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism will provide administrative support to the council.

Authorities expect the initiative to play a significant role in boosting investment and ensuring more structured growth in the country’s tourism industry.