Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat today (24 October) 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 while addressing 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, said an official press release.
Highlighting Kuakata's unique tourism potential, Millat said the opportunity to witness both sunrise and sunset from the same beach, its vast sandy coastline and natural beauty had given the destination a distinctive appeal.
He emphasised that tourist safety, cleanliness, improved transport connectivity and quality accommodation must be prioritised to develop Kuakata into an international-standard beach destination.
The minister also called for establishing modern public toilets, safe drinking water facilities, adequate seating arrangements, tourist information centres, parking facilities and emergency medical services along the beach.
He stressed the importance of deploying trained lifeguards, strengthening rescue operations and introducing effective waste management systems to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for visitors.
Millat said coordinated efforts between the government and the private sector were essential to fully utilise Kuakata's tourism potential.
He noted that involving local communities and businesspeople in tourism development would create new employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy.
The minister also said greater private-sector participation in tourism management could help increase government revenue.
Expressing optimism, Millat said integrated planning and effective implementation of development initiatives could establish Kuakata as an international-standard sea beach, contributing significantly to Bangladesh's tourism industry and the economic development of the southern region.
State Minister for Planning Md Jonaid Abdur Rahim Saki, MP, 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 and private-sector entrepreneurs, business leaders and journalists attended the meeting.