Kamrul Hasan : At the beginning of the Bengali New Year, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, MP, has called for collective initiatives to advance the tourism sector as one of the key drivers of national culture, economy, and global image. This call holds particular significance in the context of the government’s ongoing development journey, aiming to make the tourism sector more dynamic and elevate it to international standards.

On Tuesday (April 14), speaking as the chief guest at a colorful New Year celebration organized by the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, the minister said, “The New Year celebration is not just the beginning of a new year; it is an important moment to rediscover our national identity, culture, and heritage.” She emphasized that to ensure sustainable national development, the tourism sector must be transformed into a strong economic foundation.

The minister noted that the current government has been consistently working on infrastructural development, expansion of communication networks, and creating a tourism-friendly environment. In this context, the tourism industry is being considered not merely as a source of recreation, but as a major driving force for employment generation, foreign currency earnings, and the growth of local economies.

She further stated, “With your support, we aim to present Bangladesh as an attractive tourist destination on the global stage. Now is the right time to showcase our natural beauty, diverse culture, and tradition of hospitality to the world.” To achieve this, she stressed the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships, developing skilled human resources, and improving the quality of tourism services.

The event was also attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Ms. Fahmida Akhter, as a special guest. It was chaired by Ms. Sayema Shaheen Sultana, Chairman of the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation.

Senior officials from the ministry, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, and Bangladesh Tourism Board were also present at the event.

Analysts believe that this emphasis on prioritizing the tourism sector aligns well with the government’s ongoing development strategy. In particular, new infrastructure, airport expansion, and digital promotion have created opportunities to position Bangladesh more prominently on the global tourism map. However, to turn this potential into reality, it is essential to ensure service quality, security, environmental protection, and active participation of local communities.

Therefore, this New Year celebration is not just a festive occasion—it symbolizes a renewed commitment to advancing the country’s tourism sector with fresh momentum.