Bangladesh: PM seeks joint efforts with OIC to tap tourism opportunities

PM seeks joint efforts with OIC to tap tourism opportunities
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the 10th Session of the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers (ICTM)Focus Bangla

There are numerous scopes and opportunities around us to work together for the betterment and welfare of the people of Muslim Ummah, says Sheikh Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said tourism is one of the areas where Islamic countries can work together to explore greater opportunities and potentials.

“Tourism is the fastest growing sector greatly contributing to economy and employment across the world. Tourism is one of the areas where we have greater opportunities and potential to work together,” she said.

The prime minister made the statement while inaugurating the 10th Session of the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers (ICTM) at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday.

She said: “There are numerous scopes and opportunities around us to work together for the betterment and welfare of the people of Muslim Ummah. In view of the current global scenario, the relationship among the OIC member-states should be based on mutual trust, understanding and cooperation.”

Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism AKM Shajahan Kamal presided over the function while State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Faruk Khan were present as special guests.

OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen attended the function as Guest of Honour while Secretary of the tourism ministry S M Ghulam Farooque gave welcome address.

Chairperson of the 9th Session of ICTM (Niger), Representative of UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) also spoke on the occasion.

Sheikh Hasina said Islamic Economy has become a new phenomenon. It continues to grow and be operated by the Muslim community around the world.

Because of the universal acceptance of the Islamic products and services, and a large consumer community, it has a huge potential to develop faith-based Islamic products and services, she said.

She said: “These products and services have become popular even in the non-Muslim communities. We should work together to preserve and conserve the Islamic culture and heritages.”

She also said that OIC member-states need enhanced cooperation and partnerships both in public and private sectors to develop halal foods, Islamic finance, halal pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and Halal Tourism as these are among the growing sectors of the Islamic economy.