United News of Bangladesh

The government has formed a National Tourism Council to ensure sustainable and coordinated development of the country’s tourism industry. The Cabinet Division recently issued a gazette notification in this regard. The 16-member council  headed by the Prime Minister included Local Government, Finance, Planning, Home, Foreign Affairs, Environment, Cultural Affairs, Land, Civil Aviation and Tourism, Commerce, Water Resources, Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs and Shipping  ministers as members. The State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism will also serve as a member, while the secretary of the same ministry will act as member-secretary of the council. According to the notification, the council will be responsible for supervising, coordinating and providing policy direction for the implementation of tourism development plans. It will also provide advice on the expansion of the tourism sector at national, regional and international levels. The body will formulate policy decisions related to tourism laws and administrative measures, determine strategies to attract domestic and foreign investment, and strengthen coordination among relevant ministries. It will also guide public-private partnerships for the development of the sector. The council will also review and approve recommendations of other tourism-related committees and monitor the progress of implementing election pledges related to the sector. It will have the authority to take decisions on any important matters when necessary. The notification said council meetings will be held as required, and new members may be co-opted if needed. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism will provide secretarial and administrative support to the council.