The government of Bangladesh has announced an ambitious plan to significantly expand the role of tourism in the national economy, aiming to increase its contribution to GDP from the current 3 per cent to 6-7 per cent.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam revealed the target while addressing the second day programme of Deputy Commissioners’ Conference-2026 held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Monday. The session was chaired by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani.
Highlighting the sector’s potential, the minister said Bangladesh has 1,742 identified tourist attractions spread across the country, with every district offering unique opportunities for development.
She added that the government is preparing a comprehensive master plan aimed at unlocking this potential and accelerating growth in the sector.
Afroza Khanam also underscored the importance of grassroots-level implementation, expressing confidence that deputy commissioners would play a key role in driving tourism development in their respective regions. She encouraged them to utilise their experience and innovation to support the sector’s expansion.
The minister further drew attention to heritage conservation, urging steps to enhance sites such as Baliati Palace and Teota Zamindar House to attract both domestic and international visitors.
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat echoed the importance of local initiatives, saying deputy commissioners could act as catalysts for economic transformation by identifying new tourist destinations and ensuring clean, safe, and visitor-friendly environments.
Other officials, including Culture State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam and Prime Minister’s Cultural Affairs Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman, were also present at the event.
