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Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has stressed the need for planned development, modern tourist facilities and environmental conservation to transform Kuakata sea beach into an international-standard tourism destination.
“Kuakata is one of Bangladesh’s most promising tourism destinations. With proper planning and development, it can become even more attractive to both domestic and international tourists,” he said.
The minister made the remarks at an exchange-of-views meeting with officials of various departments and agencies under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at Hotel Khan Palace in Kuakata, Patuakhali, on Friday, according to an official press release.
Highlighting Kuakata’s distinctive tourism appeal, Millat said its vast sandy coastline, natural beauty and the opportunity to witness both sunrise and sunset from the same beach gave it a unique advantage over many other destinations.
He said tourist safety, cleanliness, improved transport connectivity and quality accommodation must be prioritised to establish Kuakata as an international-standard beach destination.
The minister called for modern public toilets, safe drinking water facilities, adequate seating arrangements, tourist information centres, parking facilities and emergency medical services along the beach to improve the experience of visitors.
He also emphasised the need to deploy trained lifeguards, strengthen rescue operations and introduce effective waste management systems to ensure a safe and clean environment for tourists.
Millat said coordinated efforts by the government and private sector were essential to fully realise Kuakata’s tourism potential.
Greater involvement of local communities and businesspeople in tourism development would create employment opportunities, stimulate economic activity and strengthen livelihoods in the region, he added.
The minister also noted that increased private-sector participation in tourism management could help improve services and boost government revenue.
Expressing optimism about Kuakata’s prospects, Millat said integrated planning and effective implementation of development initiatives could turn the beach into an internationally recognised destination, contributing to the expansion of Bangladesh’s tourism industry and the economic development of the southern region.
State Minister for Planning Md Jonaid Abdur Rahim Saki, Patuakhali-4 lawmaker ABM Mosharraf Hossain, reserved women’s seat-49 lawmaker Sultana Jesmin Jui, Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Dr Nurunnahar Chowdhury and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Md Shamimuzzaman attended the meeting.
Barishal Divisional Commissioner Khalil Ahmed, District Council Administrator Akon Kuddusur Rahman, Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner Chowdhury Ashraful Karim, Superintendent of Police Md Abu Yusuf and district BNP President Snehangshu Sarkar Kutti were also present.
Local public representatives, political leaders, government officials, private-sector entrepreneurs, business leaders and journalists attended the meeting.