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Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, MP, on Wednesday highlighted the government's plans to transform Bangladesh into an international tourism hub by expanding eco-tourism and strengthening public-private partnerships.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Promoting Public-Private Partnerships and Awareness in Eco-Tourism," organized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board at Parjatan Bhaban in Agargaon, the minister underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration to accelerate development in the sector.

"Even though 55 years have passed since our independence, visible development in the tourism sector remains limited. The present government is working to fulfill its election manifesto commitment to establish Bangladesh as a global tourism hub,"

She further revealed plans to develop tourism spots centered around the 'SDG Villages' inaugurated by the Prime Minister, including Mitingachhari in Rangamati's Kaptai, Pankhali in Khulna's Dacope, and Nafanagar in Dinajpur's Bochaganj upazilas.

Attending as Guest of Honor, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhter, NDC, shared that work on the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) has commenced to resolve information deficits in the sector, alongside drafting a dedicated Eco-Tourism Policy to address past coordination issues.

Special guest Md. Samimuzzaman, Chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, also attended the event. The seminar was chaired by Md. Abdur Rouf, NDC, Chief Executive Officer (Additional Charge) of Bangladesh Tourism Board.

Prof Dr. Md. Wasiul Islam from the Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline at Khulna University presented the keynote paper, detailing the significance, current state, challenges, and future action plan for eco-tourism in Bangladesh.