Not to mention the facilities and opportunities which are coveted by the average foreign tourist
According to recent reports, the cabinet has approved proposals for the construction of a tourism complex of international standard in Cox’s Bazar, and an exclusive tourist zone in Teknaf. With a budget of Tk50,000cr, the plans are being spearheaded by the tourism sector itself and are to be implemented under a private-public partnership. The government is also considering signing a waterways deal with Delhi in order to promote tourism in Bangladesh.
While it is good to see concrete efforts being made to bolster our country’s ailing tourism front, it is worth bearing in mind the various intangible hurdles that the country faces in being built up to a truly open and thriving centre for tourists.
From rampant harassment and discriminatory behaviour towards foreigners, to conservative views on conduct between men and women, to the matter of providing even the most basic forms of security, the administration faces a lot of adversity in transforming Bangladesh into even an acceptable destination for tourists.
Not to mention the facilities and opportunities which are coveted by the average foreign tourist; if we wish to cultivate an environment for tourism that can be considered acceptable, there can be no cutting of corners.
While increased financial allotment in improving the regrettable state of our country’s tourism sector is a good move, it is not enough. Drastic changes have to be made to our attitudes if we wish to emulate the hustle and bustle of tourists in our neighbouring countries throughout our own metropolises and rural landscapes.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
