Industries adviser Adilur Rahman Khan today said that the interim government has been prioritising sustainable and green tourism by taking various initiatives to strike a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and cultural conservation.
鈥楧espite its vast potential, the contribution of the tourism sector to Bangladesh鈥檚 national economy remains low. Compared to other countries, Bangladesh鈥檚 tourism sector is still lagging behind,鈥� he said.
The Industries Adviser made the remarks while inaugurating a four-day international workshop titled 鈥榃orkshop on Sustainable Practices in Green Tourism鈥� at a hotel in Dhaka.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Industries, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), attended the event, which was presided over by ministry secretary Md Obaidur Rahman.
Adilur said Bangladesh is home to the world鈥檚 largest mangrove forest-the Sundarbans-and the longest sea beach in Cox鈥檚 Bazar. The country also boasts historic sites like Mahasthangarh, Paharpur, Sonargaon, Rampal, Bajrayogini, and the naturally scenic Chattogram Hill Tracts, which attract both domestic and foreign tourists.
Speaking at the event, BIDA executive chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said green tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. He noted that the global eco-tourism market is worth around $600 million but remains largely concentrated in small communities.
Ashik emphasized that Bangladesh has significant potential for developing sustainable and green tourism.
The National Productivity Organization (NPO), Bangladesh, and the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), Japan, have jointly organized the workshop. Representatives, policymakers, researchers, and tourism entrepreneurs from 24 APO member countries are attending the event. Md. Nurul Alam, Director General of NPO, delivered the welcome address.
The four-day workshop will feature 15 sessions focused on tourism, sustainable eco-tourism, and climate change. Representatives from APO member countries will present research papers and concept notes on sustainable tourism.
