Photo: BSS

RANGAMATI, Jan 14, 2026 (BSS) - Rangamati Science and Technology University (RMSTU) has undertaken an initiative to develop a ‘Mini Tourism Hub’ on its campus, aiming to integrate education, research and tourism by leveraging the natural beauty of Rangamati.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Atiar Rahman announced the objective of the initiative while addressing a “Meet the Press” programme at the Rangamati Press Club on Wednesday morning. The event was organized ahead of the upcoming National Tourism Conference–2026, which will be hosted by the university.

Explaining the concept, the Vice-Chancellor said the Mini Tourism Hub would be a small-scale, education-based tourism zone within the university campus. The initiative aims to enrich Rangamati’s tourism sector while creating opportunities for research, practical learning and sustainable development.

He said the primary objective of the project is to establish an integrated model of tourism and education centered on the university campus. 

Located beside Kaptai Lake and surrounded by hills, the campus itself holds strong tourist appeal. Planned and modern facilities will be developed to ensure organized and responsible tourism activities.

Dr. Rahman said that the hub would also serve as a center for hands-on education. As the university has a Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, students will benefit from direct practical experience alongside academic learning.

In addition, the hub will promote local culture by showcasing the traditions, ethnic diversity, traditional food and handicrafts of Rangamati’s indigenous communities. This is expected to provide visitors with a comprehensive cultural experience while supporting the local economy.

Emphasizing sustainability, the Vice-Chancellor said the initiative would follow eco-friendly tourism practices to protect the environment. The proposed hub is expected to serve as a model for sustainable tourism development in other parts of the country.

Former Rangamati Press Club president Sunil Kanti Dey, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Conference President Dr. Muhammad Rahim Uddin, Assistant Professor of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management and Conference Member-Secretary GM Selim Ahmed, along with other university officials, were present at the press conference.

It was also informed that the RMSTU National Tourism Conference–2026 will be held on January 16 and 17, with the Bangladesh Tourism Board acting as the main organizing partner.

More than 70 researchers from different institutions will present research papers during the two-day conference. The inaugural ceremony will take place at 2:30 pm on the first day at the university campus.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan will attend the inauguration as the chief guest, while University Grants Commission member Professor Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan will be present as a special guest.

Plenary session speakers include Professor Dr. Md. Kamrul Hasan of Dhaka University, Professor Dr. M. Faridul Islam of Rajshahi University, and Dr. Md. Saiful Islam of Bangladesh Maritime University. The conference is being organized under the theme “Tourism: Exploring the Next Nature.”

On the second day, keynote speeches, oral and poster presentations, and the closing ceremony will be held from 9 am on the campus.

The organizers expressed hope that the conference and the Mini Tourism Hub initiative would open new horizons for Bangladesh’s tourism sector on the global stage.