Dhaka: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat announced today that efforts are in progress to implement a Tourism Master Plan, which will encompass 1,498 tourist attractions across the country. Speaking at the opening of the 13th Asian Tourism Fair 2026 in the capital, he emphasized the government's vision to transform Bangladesh's diverse tourism opportunities into a structured, sustainable, and internationally competitive industry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Minister Millat highlighted the rich tapestry of Bangladesh's tourism landscape, citing locations such as the Sundarbans, Cox's Bazar sea beach, the Chattogram Hill Tracts, Sylhet's tea gardens, and various archaeological and religious heritage sites. He noted that each region holds unique stories worth exploring.
The government is also positioning Cox's Bazar as a regional tourism hub, with the newly built Cox's Bazar International Airport set to attract international tourists. The new tourism policy prioritizes private investment and public-private partnerships as pivotal components of the sector's growth.
Under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, the government aims to integrate tourism into its agenda for economic diversification, employment generation, and balanced regional development. Minister Millat stated that the goal is to increase tourism's contribution to the national GDP from the current 2-3 percent to 8-9 percent.
The minister acknowledged the ambitious nature of these targets but stressed their feasibility given collaborative efforts from the government, private sector, and local communities. Tourism development is both an administrative priority and a political commitment, as reflected in the 2026 election manifesto.
Minister Millat encouraged stakeholders to innovate with cost-effective ideas, emphasizing that tourism cannot thrive without joint efforts from public and private sectors. He reassured stakeholders of the ministry's ongoing support in elevating Bangladesh's tourism industry to global prominence.
The Asian Tourism Fair features over 200 organizations from 10 countries, with approximately 300 stalls showcasing destinations, tourism products, services, and investment opportunities. The event serves as a platform for fostering friendship, business, investment, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation, with participation from diplomatic missions, tourism stakeholders, development partners, investors, and media representatives.