Staff Correspondent

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam MP called upon all stakeholders to work together to guarantee safe tourism across Bangladesh, while issuing directives for strict legal action following a tragic parasailing accident at Cox's Bazar beach.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a Development Project Proposal scrutiny committee meeting held on Sunday at Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation building in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The meeting focused on the proposed project titled "Formation, Development, and Management of Manikganj District-Based Tourism Circuit," organized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board.

Prior to discussions on the project, Minister Afroza Khanam expressed deep grief over the recent death of a tourist in an unfortunate parasailing accident at Cox's Bazar sea beach. Directing strict measures against those responsible, she instructed Tourism Board officials to coordinate closely with the Cox's Bazar Beach Management Committee to implement necessary safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

During the scrutiny meeting, special emphasis was placed on river-based tourism for the Manikganj tourism circuit. Detailed discussions were also held on establishing essential facilities, including a Tourist Information and Service Center, a Handicraft Center, and a Life Guard Service Center.

Addressing the gathering, the minister issued instructions for the conservation, restoration, and tourist-friendly transformation of traditional heritage sites, such as the historic Baliati Palace in Manikganj and the Dhamrai Folk Art Center.

Critical of past performance, the minister remarked that the country's tourism sector had witnessed no significant progress over the last 17 years.