The government has unveiled plans to transform Cox's Bazar, home to the world's longest unbroken sandy sea beach, into a major tourism hub. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam highlighted the strategy during a high-level meeting at the Finance Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting, chaired by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, reviewed an integrated development action plan for Cox's Bazar district, with a particular focus on its tourism sector.
Minister Afroza Khanam emphasized the need for modernizing Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation hotels in Cox's Bazar to enhance tourism facilities. She advocated for adopting an eco-tourism model to ensure environmental sustainability alongside tourism expansion. The minister also stressed the importance of international air connectivity, expressing hope for the imminent inauguration of Cox's Bazar International Airport.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that a new master plan would be formulated for Cox's Bazar, aligning with proposals from the civil aviation and tourism minister. The plan aims to develop Cox's Bazar into a state-of-the-art tourism hub. Additionally, discussions were held on establishing visitors' points along the Marine Drive and setting up a Blue Economy University in the region.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury directed authorities to begin preparing a master plan for developing Cox's Bazar as a Smart City, incorporating stakeholder proposals. Senior officials from the Finance Division, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and other government agencies were present at the meeting.
