Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Affairs Rashed Khan Menon has sought journalists' help in developing the country's tourism sector.
The government will organise a carnival at the tourism city at Cox's Bazar during the winter season this year aiming to boost the country's tourism sector by attarcting tourists.
The minister made the announcement while addressing a fellowship certificate awarding ceremony jointly organised by Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) and Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJF) at the National Press Club in the city Wednesday.
Mr Menon distributed certificates and cheques among 10 tourism journalists at the function.
Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism secretary Khorshed Alam Chowdhury and BTB chief executive officer Akhtaruzzaman Khan Kabir were present, among others, on the occasion.
The Minister said the mentality for toruism development is to develop among the people. That's why it is important to protect the restricted tourism spots of the country, he added.
He termed tourism the second biggest potential sector after information technology which could be developed with the help of journalists.
He said although Bangladesh is a land of immense natural beauty, tourism sector could not contribute to the economic development process of the country at an expected level.
Mr Khorshed hinted at bringing change in the existing laws for the sustainable development of tourism sector.
Mr Kabir said journalists under the fellowship programme have highlighted various problems of tourism sector through their reports. These will help the government in policy and decision making process.
The 10 fellowship awardees are: Daily Star business reporter Gazi Towhid Ahmed, Financial Express reporter Kamrun Nahar, Bonik Barta reporter Monjurul Islam, Independent Television reporter Mashiur Rahman, Bdnews24.com reporter Ashik Hossain, Somoy TV reporter Sanjiv Ray, Banglanews24.com reporter Ishtiaq Hossain, Banglavision reporter Ziaul Haq Sabuj, Daily Janakantho reporter Azad Solaiman and Btv reporter Shafiullah Sumon.
