Published: 11:31 AM, 22 September 2026
‘Public-private coordination crucial to tourism development’
Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs State Minister Mir Helal Uddin has stressed the need for stronger coordination and partnership between the public and private sectors to unlock Bangladesh’s tourism potential.
The government will provide the necessary facilities, policy support and institutional assistance to develop the tourism industry, but the private sector must take the lead in driving the industry, marketing destinations and building Bangladesh’s tourism brand, he said.
The state minister made the remarks at an exchange of views organised at the Tourism Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Monday to mark World Tourism Day.
“Tourism is greatly underrated in Bangladesh. Yet, many countries around the world run their economies largely on tourism. We have enormous potential in terms of our natural and tourism resources. But our major challenges are a lack of coordination and connectivity,” Mir Helal said.
He said Bangladesh could not develop its tourism industry through fragmented or piecemeal initiatives.
“Strong coordination and a meaningful partnership between the government and the private sector are essential for the development of this industry. The government can provide the necessary facilities and support, but the private sector must come forward to lead the industry, particularly in marketing and branding,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships, Mir Helal said it was not possible for the government alone to shoulder all responsibilities in any particular sector.
“There should be clear plans identifying where investment is needed, how that investment can be implemented and what kind of government support will be required,” he said.
The state minister also stressed the importance of positive branding to showcase Bangladesh’s tourism potential to the world.
He said isolated incidents in Bangladesh are sometimes highlighted in ways that create a negative image of the country internationally, while numerous positive developments and achievements remain underrepresented.
“How we present Bangladesh to the world is also important. When people around the world want to know about a country, the information and news they find on the internet have a direct bearing on that country’s image,” he said.
Emphasising the role of the media in promoting tourism, Mir Helal called for greater international exposure of Bangladesh’s positive attributes.
He said the country’s natural beauty, hospitality, cultural diversity and achievements should be presented more effectively to international audiences to attract foreign tourists.
Referring to the tourism potential of the Chattogram Hill Tracts, the state minister said the government was working to ensure security and improve tourism facilities in the region.
Initiatives are being taken in coordination with the ministries of foreign affairs, home affairs and defence to develop the Chattogram Hill Tracts as a safe and attractive tourist destination, he said.
“Many areas of the Chattogram Hill Tracts are exceptionally beautiful. Bringing these places under the tourism network would create new destinations for both domestic and international visitors,” Mir Helal said.
He also stressed the need to ensure international-standard tourism facilities for foreign visitors.
Tourist destinations should offer entertainment and other activities tailored to the needs and cultural preferences of visitors from different countries, he said.
“When a tourist travels abroad for a holiday, they often spend considerable time planning and saving for the trip. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that they receive the services they expect after arriving in Bangladesh,” he said.
“If a private organisation can provide a better service than the government system, that opportunity can be considered through public-private partnerships. In areas where the private sector can deliver better services, its involvement should be given due consideration,” he said.
The state minister also called for faster administrative procedures related to tourism development, including land acquisition. He said the government was working to simplify such processes through automation and the introduction of online services.
