Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam -File photo

DHAKA, Aug. 2, 2026 (BSS) - Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam today called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure safe tourism across Cox's Bazar and the rest of the country following the recent parasailing accident that claimed the life of a tourist.

She also directed the authorities concerned to take strict action against those responsible for the incident and instructed Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) officials to coordinate with the Cox's Bazar Beach Management Committee to prevent such accidents from recurring.

The minister gave the directives while addressing a meeting of the Verification Committee on the Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the proposed "Formation, Development and Management of the Manikganj District Tourism Circuit" at the Bangladesh Tourism Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon today.

At the outset of the meeting, the minister expressed deep sorrow over the death of the tourist in the parasailing accident at Cox's Bazar sea beach and stressed the need to strengthen safety measures at tourist destinations across the country.

The meeting placed special emphasis on developing river-based tourism as part of the proposed Manikganj tourism circuit. Detailed discussions were also held on establishing a Tourist Information and Service Centre, Handicraft Centre and Lifeguard Service Centre.

Afroza directed the authorities to preserve, restore and develop Baliati Palace, Dhamrai Folk Art Centre and other heritage tourism assets to make them more attractive to visitors.

She said every tourism destination should be developed around a distinct theme while ensuring that local communities directly benefit from tourism activities.

The minister said the country's tourism sector had seen little significant progress over the past 17 years and stressed the need for concerted efforts by both public and private stakeholders to unlock its full potential.

She also announced that initiatives would be taken soon to open the guesthouses adjacent to the Karnaphuli Tunnel and the Padma Bridge as tourist attractions for the general public.

The minister urged all stakeholders to showcase Bangladesh's unique natural beauty to domestic and international tourists through the Bangladesh Tourism Board's promotional website.