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Proper plan stressed for best use


Published : 14 Jun 2019 09:01 PM | Updated : 07 Sep 2020 11:31 AM

Terming the proposed budget allocation of Tk 3,426 crore for civil aviation and tourism ministry beyond expectation, experts stressed on proper planning to make best use of it. Eminent tourism expert Jamil Ahmed Friday told the Bangladesh Post: “This is undoubtedly a huge allocation for the industry, though it is not separately mentioned what particular sector would get what amount. It’s important to know what amount for tourism sector is allocated.”

“The industry would surely become vibrant with development projects, if only the allocation is used in a planned way. Till now we just know the amount allotted to civil aviation and tourism sectors together. But even then it can be said that the tourism sector has lack of planning to make the best use of the allocation,” he added.

In reply to a query, he said, “Finally we are happy to see such a big allocation for the industry, but at the same time, we need directions and expert suggestions, so that we can ensure best use.” A top official of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation seeking anonymity said, “We are afraid that lion’s share of the amount would be given to aviation sector, but we should not forget that we must look after our tourist attractions, to bring about more local and international tourists to those spots.”

“We have a good number of tourist spots in the country but so far we failed to turn the spots into brands. A brand with a long term plan will allow us to use highest utilization of the budget,” he added. It is to be noted that the allocations sanctioned in the proposed budget will help establish international standard in aviation sector as well as enable tourism industry attain a sustainable growth.

Mentionable, an allocation of Tk 3,426 crore was proposed for civil aviation and tourism ministry in the budget for 2019-20 fiscal paced before the House on Thursday by Finance Minister AHM Mostafa Kamal. The allocation in the proposed budget is Tk 2,355 crore more than the previous fiscal.

Of the total Tk 3,426 crore, Tk 3,375 crore will be spent under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and Tk 51 crore under non-development sector. The present government is attaching importance to development and expansion of the country’s existing airports. The finance minister said the government has taken various steps for the infrastructural development at airports and ensuring easy and safe air travel for passengers to facilitate fast and standard international and domestic aviation.

“Construction of the third terminal at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is in progress to enhance its passenger handling capacity to 12 million,” he said. The minister said site selection and feasibility study on the construction of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib International Airport is in progress.

Besides, he said runways expansion and capacity enhancement of Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet Osmani Airports at international standard are underway while feasibility study to upgrade Syedpur Airport to international level has been completed, he said. Kamal said tourism sector will also be given priority in order to ensuresustained and balanced growth of the country.

Mentioning that Bangladesh has many tourist spots which are yet to be fully introduced to the world, the finance minister said, “All potential tourist spots in the country will be gradually made suitable for both local and foreign tourists.” He also said work on establishing an Exclusive Tourist Zone is underway at Sabrang in Cox’s Bazar for foreign tourists. Describing potential of the blue economy, the finance minister said sea eco-tourism and boat tourism will be introduced through private sector.