Bangladesh Eyes Tourism as a New Source of Foreign Currency

At a glance

• Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat spoke at the closing ceremony of the Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair 2026 in Dhaka on October 31.
• He said he would raise the possibility of incentives for tourism businesses earning foreign currency with the prime minister and the finance and planning ministries.
• The government plans to inaugurate Cox’s Bazar airport as an international airport in November and is exploring direct links with markets such as Kathmandu and Kunming.
• A three-month tourism carnival in Cox’s Bazar is scheduled to run from November through January.
• Bangladesh’s tourism master plan covers 1,498 attractions. Millat also pointed to digital tools, workforce training and public-private investment as areas for developing the sector.

Context

The government’s tourism master plan covers 1,498 sites, including beaches, forests, wetlands, hill areas and heritage locations. The latest proposals combine policy support for businesses with investment in connectivity and visitor services. Rashiduzzaman Millat said routes connecting Cox’s Bazar with potential overseas markets could help draw more tourists. He also highlighted technology for destination management, tourist safety and environmental protection. The three-month Cox’s Bazar carnival is intended to add activities for visitors beyond the beach.

Why It Matters

Tourism offers Bangladesh a way to earn foreign currency through spending on accommodation, transport, food and local experiences. Better air links may make destinations more accessible. The proposed Cox’s Bazar routes and carnival target those opportunities, although neither guarantees an increase in overseas arrivals.

Moreover, incentives are still under consideration, and the minister’s remarks do not establish that the proposed international routes will begin operating. Their contribution to foreign-currency earnings depends on implementation, visitor demand and the services available once tourists arrive.

What We Think

While this is a good initiative to treat tourism as an export opportunity, the focus may extend beyond airport openings and seasonal events. Any incentives require clear eligibility rules and measurable goals.

The priority is value for Bangladesh. This includes additional foreign-currency earnings, opportunities for local businesses and jobs that continue beyond the carnival season. That may provide a stronger basis for judging the policy than the number of attractions promoted or projects announced.