The three-day 13th Biman Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2025 was inaugurated today (October 30, 2025) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital with a colorful ceremony. Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the title sponsor of this fair organized by the country’s top tourism industry organization, Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB).
Lutfe Siddiqui, Envoy for International Affairs of the Principal Advisor to the Interim Government, was present as the chief guest at the event. Saema Shaheen Sultana, Chairman, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation; Nuzhat Yasmin, Chief Executive Officer (Additional Secretary), Bangladesh Tourism Board; Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman, MD and CEO, Biman Bangladesh Airlines; Md. Mainul Hasan, BPM, PPM, NDC, Additional IGP, Bangladesh Tourist Police; and Naila Ahmed, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. The program was presided over by Md. Rafiuzzaman, President, TOAB; and moderated by Md. Taslim Amin Shuvo, Director (Trade and Fair), TOAB.
In his inaugural speech, Chief Guest Lutfe Siddiqui said, “Tourism is a symbol of our culture, tradition and human hospitality. It is not just an economic sector, but also carries the identity of Bangladesh. Tourism is a sector where not technology, but human service and sincerity are the main strengths. Youth need to be involved in this sector, as it is creating huge opportunities for employment and innovation.”
Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman, MD and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, said, “Aircraft is not just a means of passenger transport, it is an ambassador of Bangladesh’s culture and hospitality. Public-private partnership is essential in the development of tourism. We want foreign tourists to showcase the natural beauty and heritage of Bangladesh to the world.”
Additional IGP of Bangladesh Tourist Police Md. Mainul Hasan said, “The tourism sector is making a significant contribution to the country’s economy. It is creating employment and helping to earn foreign exchange. The Tourist Police is always ready to ensure safe tourism.”
Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO Nuzhat Yasmin said, “Tour operators are the driving force of the tourism industry. They build bridges between tourists and destinations. We are moving towards sustainable tourism by implementing tourism policies and building skilled human resources.”
Bangladesh Tourism Corporation Chairman Saema Shaheen Sultana said, “Tourism is one of the means to brighten the image of Bangladesh. We want to make this sector more dynamic through public-private partnerships.”
In the chairman’s speech, TOAB President Md. Rafiuzzaman said, “Government cooperation is essential to further develop the tourism industry. Controlling hotel rates, reducing VAT and providing incentives to tour operators will help this sector move forward. The tourism industry is one of the sources of earning foreign exchange without any pollution, which is why the government needs special attention.”
Tourism organizations and tour operators from 12 countries, including Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan, are participating in this fair. Domestic and foreign airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines and health tourism institutions will be present in 20 pavilions and 220 stalls arranged in four halls. In addition, cultural performances, B2B and B2C sessions, seminars and country-specific presentations will be held daily.
