“The 21st century is for Asians. We want to see Bangladesh getting introduced in the world as the lighthouse of tourism,” he said while addressing a pre-budget discussion on Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Jatiya Press Club here.

The Asian Century is the projected 21st-century dominance of Asian politics and culture, assuming certain demographic and economic trends persist.

The State Minister said the government together with all stakeholders will take a mega plan for the development of the tourism industry and will implement it through joint efforts. 

“We’ve everything to develop the tourism industry and boost the national economy,” said Mahbub Ali adding that it will not be wise to say nothing is done over the last 47 years.

Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) organised the discussion where Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary M Mohibul Haque spoke as special guest.

US Bangla Airlines CEO Imran Asif and Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) adviser Md Masud Hossain presented separate papers highlighting their demands.

National Board of Revenue (NBR) member (income tax policy) Kanon Kumar Roy, TOAB President Taufiq Uddin Ahmed, first vice president Md Rafeuzzaman, its adviser Syed G Qadir, Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) Secretary General Abdus Salam Aref, tourism expert and editor of Bangladesh Monitor Kazi Wahid Ul Alam and General Manager (Public Relations) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Shakil Meraj, among others, addressed the programme.

ATJFB President Nadira Kiron chaired the discussion while its General Secretary Md Tanzim Anwar delivered the welcome speech.

Speaking as the chief guest, the State Minister said the government is sincere about development of the tourism sector and upgrade the required infrastructure facilities. 

He mentioned that the government will remain cautious to avoid spending money in unproductive areas.