Tourism Minister orders strict action over Cox's Bazar parasailing death

Dhaka: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on August 2 ordered strict action against those responsible for the fatal parasailing accident in Cox's Bazar and directed authorities to strengthen safety measures to prevent similar incidents.

The minister issued the directive while addressing a meeting at the Bangladesh Tourism Board headquarters in the capital on a proposed development project for a district-based tourism circuit in Manikganj, read a press release.

Referring to the recent parasailing accident that claimed the life of a tourist at Cox's Bazar beach, Khanam expressed sorrow over the incident and instructed Bangladesh Tourism Board officials to coordinate with the Cox's Bazar Beach Management Committee to implement necessary safety measures.

She called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure safe tourism across the country, with particular emphasis on improving safety standards at Cox's Bazar and other major tourist destinations.

During the meeting, officials discussed the proposed Manikganj tourism circuit, giving priority to river-based tourism. The proposal includes establishing a Tourist Information and Service Center, a Handicraft Centre, and a Lifeguard Service Center.

The minister also directed authorities to preserve and rehabilitate heritage attractions such as Baliati Palace and the Dhamrai Folk Art Centre to make them more attractive to visitors.

She said future tourism projects should be developed around specific themes and designed to create direct economic benefits for local communities.

Khanam also urged greater collaboration between public and private stakeholders to accelerate the development of Bangladesh's tourism sector and announced plans to open guesthouses near the Karnaphuli Tunnel and the Padma Bridge to the public as new tourism attractions.