BRAC's tourism drive to empower locals thru economic growth

Development organization BRAC has formally launched 'Otithi', a community-based tourism initiative designed to promote sustainable travel by showcasing the people, history, culture, natural beauty, and archaeological treasures of various regions in Bangladesh to both local and international tourists. 

'Otithi' aims to reshape the tourism landscape in Bangladesh by ensuring that travel directly benefits local communities, empowering them through economic growth and cultural preservation.

The initiative was officially inaugurated at a hotel in Rajshahi, the land of Barind, at a formal ceremony recently. 

The event was attended by Abu Tahir Muhammad Jaber, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB); Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC; Tamara Hasan Abed Managing Director of BRAC Enterprises; Dr. Md. Jafar Uddin, Senior Adviser at BRAC, and Moutusi Biswas, Consultant for the "Otithi" Project. 

Also present were Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir, Divisional Commissioner (Additional Secretary) of Rajshahi Division; Dr. Kazi M. Mostafizur Rahman, Director-in-Charge; and Md. Aslam Reza, Deputy Librarian, Varendra Research Museum of Rajshahi University; along with senior journalists from Dhaka and Rajshahi, among others.

'Otithi', a community-based tourism initiative, will engage local communities in the tourism industry, ensuring that economic benefits flow back to them -- especially in rural and underserved regions. 

Beyond economic empowerment, 'Otithi' seeks to reconnect urban youths with their roots, introduce them to hidden cultural gems, and celebrate Bangladesh's diverse heritage. 

While speaking at the event, Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, stated that, "Those of us who work at BRAC, travel all over the country, and we know there is so much in Bangladesh that deserves to be seen and experienced. If curated well, we could truly reimagine our tourism industry in ways that benefit local communities".