Dhaka: The civil aviation and tourism and cultural affairs ministries have decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote cultural tourism by integrating the country's historical and archaeological heritage with tourism development. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat announced the decision today at an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, according to a ministry press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury chaired the meeting, with State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam and Cultural Affairs Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman in attendance. Millat stated that the two ministries would begin formulating a common Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) following the signing of the MoU. A Joint Taskforce for Cultural Tourism would also be established to advance cultural tourism in the country.
Minister Millat emphasized the close link between the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the tourism industry. He highlighted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's vision to elevate the country's tourism sector, which currently contributes only 2-3 percent to Bangladesh's GDP. The goal is to increase this contribution to 7-8 percent.
During the meeting, State Minister Khaiyam proposed promoting Nazrul Year among international passengers at the country's airports. Millat responded by stating that necessary promotional initiatives would be undertaken at airports to commemorate Nazrul Year.
Cultural Affairs Minister Chowdhury remarked on Bangladesh's rich heritage, which spans thousands of years, and the government's intention to preserve and showcase it globally. He noted that the country's 554 archaeological sites would be inspected in phases by the ministry's taskforce before development decisions are made.
The meeting was attended by Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Kaniz Mowla, Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhter, and senior officials from both ministries.