Leaders of Bangladesh’s travel sector on Sunday expressed concern that the newly promulgated Travel Agency Registration and
Control Ordinance-2026 may pose significant challenges for thousands of travel agencies, urging a review of several provisions to safeguard the industry.
Representatives of the sector said the ordinance, while aimed at strengthening regulation, could unintentionally affect the operational viability of a large number of agencies and the livelihoods of those dependent on the industry.
Former Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) president Manzur Morshed Mahbub shared the views at a press conference at the National Press
Club, noting that the gazette published on January 1 includes new sections and clauses that may create operational constraints for travel agencies.
He said an amended provision now restricts the buying and selling of airline tickets among travel agencies.
Of approximately 5,800 registered agencies, he noted, only around 800 are members of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), while the rest depend on inter agency arrangements to serve passengers.
Mahbub observed that without access to such arrangements, many agencies may find it difficult to continue operations or meet the required annual sales turnover of Taka 5 million for licence renewal.
ATAB Members’ Welfare Unity Alliance Convener Mohammad Jamal Uddin Tipu highlighted another provision requiring offline travel agencies to submit a bank guarantee of Taka 1 million, saying smaller agencies with limited financial capacity could face difficulties complying with the requirement.
The speakers also expressed reservations about a proposed restriction on operating recruiting agencies and travel agencies from the same premises, noting that such services have long been provided together for outbound migrant workers and that separation could increase costs.
They further noted concerns over a provision allowing temporary suspension of registration certificates without prior hearing, suggesting that procedural safeguards could help ensure fairness and transparency.
The enhanced penalties proposed under the ordinance were also discussed, with speakers suggesting that the previous framework had been adequate.
The government has said the ordinance was promulgated to strengthen oversight of travel agencies, promote fair ticket pricing, protect passengers and improve governance in the aviation transport sector.
Issued by order of the President, the ordinance amends the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) Act, 2013 and was promulgated on January 1, 2026, under Article 93(1) of the Constitution, as Parliament remains dissolved.
Under the amended law, travel agencies will be subject to stricter disclosure requirements, mandatory bank guarantees of Taka 10 lakh for offline and Taka
1 crore for online agencies, periodic submission of financial and activity reports, and penalties of up to one year’s imprisonment or a fine of up to Taka 10 lakh, or both, for violations.
The Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry said the measures are intended to ensure transparency, accountability and consumer protection, while sector representatives expressed hope for continued dialogue to address practical concerns and support the sustainable growth of the travel industry.
