Cultural personalities join hands to boost tourism

Pijush Bandhapadhyay delivers his speech at the workshop.

Eminent artistes, cultural personalities and travel agencies of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India came together at the historic site of 'Shompur Buddha Bihar ' in Paharpur of Naogaon district.
The aim of the programme was to explore the historic site and attract global tourists.
The two-day programme, held in Joypurhat and Naogaon, began on Tuesday evening with a colourful inaugural session. The programme included a discussion, a workshop on the history of the archaeological site and a cultural programme.
The workshop on the archaeological site of Paharpur was held at the Museum Conference room of Paharpur on Wednesday. Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Director General of Bangladesh Archaeological Department was present as chief guest.
Pijush Bandhapadhyay, eminent actor of the country, chaired the workshop.
Goutam Bose and Ajay Ray, renowned film producer of West Bengal, Nazmun Nahar Deputy Commissioner of Naogaon and Monzur Hasan Additional Deputy Commissioner of Naogaon were present as special guests and spoke on the works highlighting the historic site.
Executive Director of Help Tourism of India, Raju Basu, also spoke at the meeting.
Mohammad Toufiqul Islam, Director of Journey Plus of Bangladesh, anchored the workshop.
In the course of the discussion, the speakers said that although Bangladesh, with its archaeological sites spread across the country, has a high potential for tourism, most sites remain neglected and badly maintained due to the paucity of funds.
The speakers however, emphasised the need to take initiatives to highlight the rich archaeological sites of the country, which would attract global tourists and contribute to the national revenue.
Earlier on Tuesday night, artistes from Bangladesh and India participated in a cultural programme here at Shishu Uddyan, in Joypurhat which mesmerised the audience.