Tourism a crucial tool for country’s socio-economic dev: Speaker

Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury has said that the tourism industry is one of the crucial tools for the socio-economic progress of the country.

She said this while inaugurating the 'Bangladesh Festival' organized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board as the chief guest, in the city's Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on Wednesday.

BSS adds: She said, "Bangladesh has immense potential in the tourism industry in the world. The natural diversity of this country is a unique feature and the people of this country are hospitable, so the potential of Bangladesh in the tourism industry is constantly increasing."

"Along with socio-economic aspects, maintaining environmental balance is also very important. That is why the government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken various steps with the aim of conducting responsible tourism activities through proper management and delivering its economic benefits to the local population," she said.

"Our prime minister is working to implement the overall development of the country by adopting sustainable, environment-friendly and inclusive development. We all should take the initiative to highlight the endless tourism potential of the country to the local and foreign tourists," the JS Speaker added.

Later, she inaugurated the 'Bangladesh Festival' and 'Plastic Free St. Martin' initiative.

On the occasion of 'World Tourism Day 2023', the Bangladesh Tourism Board under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism organized this event to celebrate 'Mujib's Bangladesh'.

Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh Tourism Board, Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber and Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director of Mutual Trust Bank Limited delivered a welcome speech at the event under the chairmanship of Tourism Ministry Secretary Mokammel Hossain.

Member of the parliament - RAM Ubaidul Moktadir Chowdhury and Cabinet Secretary MMahbub Hossain were present as special guests.

Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Tanveer Imam Joy, Members of Parliament- Ashek Ullah Rafiq and Syeda Rubina Akhtar, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation Chairman M Rahat Anwar, officials of the ministry and the board were present on the occasion.