New master plan on the cards to transform Cox's Bazar into modern tourism hub
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed says a new master plan would be prepared based on the proposals submitted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
The government has decided to prepare a new integrated master plan to transform Cox's Bazar into a modern tourism hub through sustainable tourism, smart city development, improved infrastructure and enhanced connectivity.
The decision was made at a high-level meeting today (23 July), chaired by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury at the Finance Division conference room in Dhaka.
The meeting reviewed the future integrated development plan for Cox's Bazar, including its tourism sector, according to a press release issued by the civil aviation and tourism ministry.
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Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom said the government aims to develop Cox's Bazar, home to the world's longest natural sandy sea beach, into a premier tourism destination.
"We want to transform Cox's Bazar into a tourism hub," she said, adding that the government has already taken initiatives to modernise hotels operated by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation in the district.
The minister also called for adopting an eco-tourism model for the district's development and sought cooperation from all stakeholders to achieve the government's vision.
She expressed optimism that the upgraded Cox's Bazar International Airport would be inaugurated soon, saying the airport would make the destination more attractive to foreign tourists.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said a new master plan would be prepared in line with the proposals submitted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
"The new master plan will transform Cox's Bazar into a modern tourism hub," he said.
The meeting also discussed establishing visitor points along the Marine Drive and setting up a Blue Economy University in Cox's Bazar.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the finance and planning minister directed the authorities concerned to begin preparing the master plan immediately by incorporating proposals submitted by stakeholders. The plan will also aim to develop Cox's Bazar into a smart city.
The meeting was also attended by Land Minister Md Mizanur Rahman Minu; Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher; and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo.
