By Md. Kamal Uddin
Writer, Journalist, Television Presenter, Researcher, and Deputy Editor, The Daily Tourist
Bangladesh is entering a new era of economic growth and national development. Alongside remarkable progress in infrastructure, communication, technology, and industry, the tourism sector is emerging as one of the country’s most promising economic pillars. Blessed with the world’s longest uninterrupted sandy sea beach, the Sundarbans—the largest mangrove forest on Earth—picturesque hills, rivers, islands, waterfalls, archaeological treasures, and a rich cultural heritage, Bangladesh possesses immense tourism potential that is yet to be fully realized. Transforming this vast potential into a globally competitive tourism industry requires visionary leadership, strategic planning, innovation, and unwavering commitment. One of the distinguished personalities leading this transformation is Md. Shamimuzzaman, Additional Secretary to the Government and Chairman of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC).
Recently, I had the privilege of meeting him at his office and conducting an exclusive interview on behalf of The Daily Tourist. As a writer, journalist, television presenter, tourism researcher, and Deputy Editor of the newspaper, I had the opportunity to engage in an extensive discussion with him on Bangladesh’s tourism prospects, policy directions, infrastructure development, investment opportunities, destination branding, sustainable tourism, and the government’s long-term vision for the sector. My professional relationship with Mr. Shamimuzzaman dates back to his tenure as a Member of the Chattogram Port Authority. Even during that period, I found him to be an exceptionally competent, disciplined, honest, and forward-thinking public servant. Over the years, his professionalism, integrity, administrative excellence, and commitment to national development have earned him widespread respect. During our discussion, he emphasized that the future of Bangladesh’s tourism industry depends not only on developing physical infrastructure but also on ensuring world-class hospitality, visitor safety, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, skilled human resources, and international-standard services. According to him, tourism should not merely be viewed as a leisure industry; rather, it should be recognized as a powerful engine for economic growth, employment generation, cultural exchange, and international branding.
He highlighted the government’s initiatives to modernize major tourist destinations, improve accommodation facilities, attract foreign investment, strengthen public-private partnerships, and introduce innovative tourism products that appeal to both domestic and international travelers. Special attention is being given to destinations such as Cox’s Bazar, Saint Martin’s Island, the Chattogram Hill Tracts, the Sundarbans, Kuakata, Sylhet, Moheshkhali, Sonadia Island, and numerous historical and archaeological sites across the country. These locations are being developed with the vision of positioning Bangladesh as a competitive tourism destination in the global market. As a researcher who has devoted years to studying Bangladesh’s tourism industry and the author of the research-based book “Tourism Industry in Bangladesh,” I have personally visited many tourism destinations across the country. My field research has convinced me that Bangladesh has every opportunity to become one of South Asia’s leading tourism destinations, provided that sustainable planning, professional management, and visionary leadership continue to guide the sector. During the meeting, I also introduced The Daily Tourist and shared its mission of promoting Bangladesh’s tourism industry through responsible journalism, in-depth research, and constructive reporting. Mr. Shamimuzzaman warmly welcomed the initiative and highly appreciated the newspaper’s efforts in highlighting the country’s tourism potential. He observed that The Daily Tourist is playing a significant role in promoting tourism awareness by publishing informative features, research-based reports, destination stories, investment opportunities, and development initiatives. He expressed his confidence that the newspaper would continue to serve as a valuable platform for showcasing Bangladesh’s tourism assets both nationally and internationally. He further stressed that close collaboration among the government, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Bangladesh Tourism Board, private entrepreneurs, researchers, media professionals, and local communities is essential for building a sustainable and globally competitive tourism industry. What impressed me most was not only his administrative competence but also his humility, refined outlook, visionary thinking, and deep sense of patriotism. His leadership reflects a sincere commitment to transforming Bangladesh’s tourism sector into a modern, sustainable, and internationally recognized industry capable of making a substantial contribution to the national economy. As a journalist and tourism researcher, I firmly believe that the development of tourism is not merely about attracting visitors; it is about creating employment, strengthening local economies, preserving cultural heritage, protecting the environment, and enhancing Bangladesh’s global image. Responsible media has an important role in this journey, and The Daily Tourist remains committed to supporting the sector through objective, research-driven, and development-oriented journalism.
Based on my long experience in tourism research and journalism, I am confident that Md. Shamimuzzaman’s dynamic leadership, professional excellence, integrity, and visionary approach will contribute significantly to the modernization of Bangladesh’s tourism industry. Under his stewardship, the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation is well-positioned to become a driving force behind sustainable tourism development, international cooperation, increased investment, and the global promotion of Bangladesh as a premier travel destination. I sincerely hope that under his capable leadership, Bangladesh’s tourism industry will reach new heights, opening fresh opportunities for economic prosperity, employment, cultural exchange, and international recognition. Likewise, The Daily Tourist will continue to stand beside this national journey by promoting the country’s tourism potential with professionalism, credibility, and dedication.