A proposal to recruit 2,526 additional personnel for the Tourist Police is currently under consideration by the Ministry of Public Administration to enhance security and service quality across tourist destinations, Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) G. M. Azizur Rahman said on Saturday.

He disclosed the information while speaking as a special guest at a discussion and Bangladesh Tourism Award presentation ceremony held at the China Friendship Conference Center in the capital on Saturday evening to mark World Tourism Day.

Highlighting the critical role of safety in sustainable tourism development, Azizur Rahman said tourists prioritize security alongside natural beauty, culture, and entertainment when choosing a destination.

"Tourist Police is one of the visible public service institutions providing security, information, and emergency assistance at tourist sites," he said.

Starting its journey in 2013, the Tourist Police currently operates across 32 districts and 130 tourist destinations. In the first eight months of this year, over 10,000 foreign tourists visited these areas. During this period, the Tourist Police reunited 365 missing children with their families, rescued 31 people alive from dangerous situations, and arrested 92 individuals involved in crimes and harassment, while also recovering lost mobile phones, bags, and money for tourists.

Chaired by Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhter, the event featured a welcome address by Bangladesh Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Barrister Motasim Billah Faruqui.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman on Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui, Ministry Additional Secretary Md. Abdur Rouf, and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Md. Samimuzzaman were also present as special guests.