The tourism potential

According to the United Nations Development Programme, the contribution of the tourism industry to the global and national economy is increasing day by day. In fact, globally, tourism is one of the major sources of revenue for countries like Nepal and the Maldives.

Bangladesh too has a number of tourist attractions such as the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, Cox's Bazar sea beach, the largest in the world, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet, along with countless historical and archaeological sites. Yet, we have failed to develop the industry to its true potential. I think this should be at the top of our development agenda, especially considering that the government is focusing on economic diversification.

Md Mehefuzul Islam, By e-mail