Tourism, culture ministries to sign MoU: Millat

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury chaired the meeting, while State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam and Cultural Affairs Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman were present.

Millat said the two ministries would begin formulating a common Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) following the signing of the MoU, while a Joint Taskforce for Cultural Tourism would also be formed to advance cultural tourism in the country.

"Tourism is an inclusive industry and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is closely linked to it," he said.

The minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wants to take the country's tourism sector to new heights, noting that tourism currently contributes only 2-3 percent to Bangladesh's GDP.

"We are working to increase this contribution to 7-8 percent," he said.

During the meeting, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam proposed promoting Nazrul Year among international passengers arriving at the country's airports.

In response, Millat said necessary promotional initiatives would be undertaken at airports to mark Nazrul Year.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said Bangladesh's heritage dates back thousands of years and the government wants to preserve it and showcase it globally.

"Our historical sites will be developed keeping tourism themes in mind," he said.

He said the country has 554 archaeological establishments, which would be inspected in phases by the ministry's taskforce before decisions are taken on their development.

Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Kaniz Mowla, Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhter and senior officials of the two ministries, among others, attended the meeting.