In the wake of a tragic parasailing accident that resulted in the death of a tourist at Cox's Bazar, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has called for increased collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the safety of tourists nationwide. Addressing a meeting in the capital, she emphasized the need for stricter actions against those responsible for the incident and highlighted the importance of safety measures at all tourist destinations.
During the meeting of the Verification Committee on the Development Project Proposal for the Manikganj District Tourism Circuit, Afroza Khanam expressed deep sorrow over the incident and urged the authorities to take decisive action. She directed the Bangladesh Tourism Board to coordinate with the Cox's Bazar Beach Management Committee to prevent future accidents and enhance safety protocols.
The meeting also focused on developing river-based tourism as part of the proposed Manikganj tourism circuit, with detailed discussions on establishing a Tourist Information and Service Centre, Handicraft Centre, and Lifeguard Service Centre. Afroza Khanam stressed the importance of preserving and restoring heritage sites such as Baliati Palace and Dhamrai Folk Art Centre to attract more visitors.
Recognizing the slow progress in the tourism sector over the past 17 years, Afroza Khanam called for concerted efforts from both public and private stakeholders to unlock the full potential of the industry. She announced plans to open guesthouses near the Karnaphuli Tunnel and the Padma Bridge as tourist attractions and urged stakeholders to promote Bangladesh's natural beauty through the Bangladesh Tourism Board's promotional website.
The minister emphasized the need for every tourism destination to be developed around a distinct theme, ensuring that local communities directly benefit from tourism activities. She highlighted the importance of showcasing Bangladesh's unique natural beauty to both domestic and international tourists.
Afroza Khanam's directives come as part of a broader strategy to revitalize the tourism sector, focusing on safety, development, and community involvement. The upcoming initiatives aim to make Bangladesh a more attractive and safer destination for tourists.
