State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat promotes tourism investment at Beautiful Bangladesh Run 2026 in Hatirjheel. Photo: ATJFB

DHAKA, April 25, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat today said that the government is working to attract foreign investment to build international-standard tourism infrastructure in Bangladesh. 

“We are in talks with globally renowned institutions such as Emaar Properties, which built Burj Khalifa. There are plans to involve them in developing Bangladesh’s tourism facilities through Public-Private Partnership (PPP),” he said. 

He made the remarks while addressing the ‘Beautiful Bangladesh Run 2026 (Season-2)’ held at Hatirjheel in the capital as the chief guest with the participation of more than 1,000 runners to promote Bangladesh tourism domestically and internationally. 

Highlighting the potential of the tourism sector, he said the government wants to take the sector further forward. 

“Currently, tourism contributes around 2 to 3 percent to our GDP. We have a target to raise it to 6 to 7 percent in future,” he said.

Millat distributed prizes among the winners of the marathon, organized by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB).

The state minister said that the initiative by ATJFB was helping raise health awareness while also making an important contribution to promoting Bangladesh’s tourism sector.

“Such an initiative is truly commendable. It has personally inspired me, and I hope it will promote the untapped potentials of Bangladesh tourism,” he said 

The marathon held at Police Plaza Point and featured a 7.5-kilometre competitive race and a 2-kilometre fun run. 

Participants from different professions, particularly from the aviation and tourism sectors, joined the event.

Deputy Managing Director of Rhythm Group, the title sponsor of the event, Abhir Hossain said the event was spreading a positive social message through health-conscious participation.

ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar said the initiative was launched mainly to promote Bangladesh tourism. “It has become one of our flagship events. Next year, we are planning to arrange such an event on Marine Drive in Cox's Bazar,” he said.

Among others, Rhythm Group Managing Director Sohag Hossain, ATJFB General Secretary Baten Biplob and Race Director Safiullah Sumon also spoke.

In the race, winners were honoured with podium prizes, air tickets to different destinations and raffle draw rewards.