At the inauguration ceremony of the 13th Biman Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2025, which began in the capital today, Thursday (October 30, 2025), Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) President Md. Rafiuzzaman has sought effective government support for the development of the country’s tourism industry.
Lutfe Siddiqui, International Affairs Envoy to the Principal Advisor to the Interim Government, was present as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony. Nuzhat Yasmin, Chief Executive Officer (Additional Secretary), Bangladesh Tourism Board; Saema Shaheen Sultana, Chairman, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation; Md. Mainul Hasan, BPM, PPM, NDC, Additional IGP, Bangladesh Tourist Police; Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman, MD and CEO, Biman Bangladesh Airlines; and Naila Ahmed, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. The program was presided over by Md. Taslim Amin Shuvo, Director (Trade and Fair), TOAB.
Md. Rafiuzzaman, in his closing remarks, said, “Today we are very happy that our chief guest and other guests are here. As someone directly associated with the tourism sector, I would like to say that without the cooperation and policy support of the government, the full potential of this industry will not be developed. We want to provide necessary facilities to tour operators to attract international tourists. This sector will be able to make a significant contribution to earning foreign exchange if it gets the support of the government.”
He further said, “To increase investment and professionalism in the tourism industry, duty-free facilities are needed in hotels, resorts and transport. There should also be an incentive system for tour operators, as they earn foreign exchange without any pollution. The large rate gap with international hotels and chain hotels and double taxation are limiting this industry. If the government sets a single rate and provides facilities to tour operators, the tourism industry of Bangladesh will develop faster.”
Tourism organizations from 12 countries including Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan, and tour operators and travel agents from Nepal, Maldives, Singapore, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, China, Sri Lanka and Turkey are participating in this year’s fair. There are 220 stalls with 20 pavilions in a total of 4 halls. B2B and B2C sessions, seminars, country presentations and cultural programs are being held as side events of the fair.
