News Flash
DHAKA, Sept 8, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh’s long-awaited tourism master plan is expected to be finalised by the end of this year, newly appointed Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) Chief Executive Officer Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui said today.
“After taking responsibility, we have prioritised ensuring the best possible services and facilities for tourists. We want to move forward in line with the tourism master plan, which is expected to be finalised this year,” he said.
The BTB chief made the remarks during an interaction with members of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the BTB office in the capital’s Agargaon area.
The strategic tourism master plan, initiated by the BTB in 2019, has faced delays in implementation and final approval due to bureaucratic complications, the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent administrative changes.
The plan was later sent back for further review and revision.
The government is now working on an integrated master plan covering around 1,498 tourist attractions across the country, placing particular emphasis on planned, environment-friendly and sustainable tourism development.
Faruqui said the BTB would take steps to improve facilities and services for tourists and accelerate the implementation of development projects.
“We have several projects aimed at enhancing tourist facilities and services, and we want to implement them quickly,” he said.
Regarding efforts to attract more foreign visitors, the BTB CEO said the board would strengthen cooperation with the international community, foreign embassies and other stakeholders.
“We want to engage with the international community, embassies and other stakeholders to encourage their citizens to visit Bangladesh,” he said.
He said the BTB also plans to strengthen the international promotion of Bangladesh as an attractive tourism destination while improving facilities at tourist sites and making travel more convenient for visitors.
