2012年 8月 10日
History and content tourism law of Bangladesh
“Bangladesh the divine of south Asia” said by the Persian warrior ikhtiyer uddin bokhtiar khalji.
who conquered and ruled this south Asia region in 1200AD (Dr aziz Bangladesh bong er shoskiti
1998).Bangladesh has huge versatility in her culture, natural resources as well as has topographic
advantage. Bangladesh has huge potentiality in tourism sector. During the July 2010-June 2011
period the country earned Tk 5,946.66 million from the tourism sector," the BTB CEO said adding
that the amount would sharply increase if the proposed draft Act finally gets the Cabinet's approval
and subsequent endorsement by Parliament.(The financial express January 23 2012) The whole
scenario of Bangladesh could be divided by below.
Geographical Significance : Being the gateway of south–east Asia, Bangladesh is connected by air and sea and by surface. It has
tremendous geographic advantages that obviously help the country to be an ideal ecotourism
destination. Bangladesh is situated in geographical nerve point.
Topographical Benefits : There are six seasons in Bangladesh such as summer, rainy, autumn, late autumn, winter and spring
in Bangladesh. In every season, natures beautify her in different and unique ways which is exclusive
in the world. So the delight of nature is a great source for eco-tourism.
Ecological Specialty : Ecologically Bangladesh has beautiful landscape. There exist lots of natural as well as ecological
places all around the country which have the immense power to attract the colorists. This is an
essential component of environmental education.In the south west part of she is holding world
largest single Mangrove forest name sundarbon which was recognized as world heritage site by
UNESCO in 1998.This sunderban has huge biodiversity which could a power house for the foreign
tourist for BD tourist industry.In south part bangladesh world largest sea beaches and so on.
Heritage and history : Many historical and archaeological sites are situated in Bangladesh. Ancient mosques, temples,
church, pagoda, shrines, historical buildings, different monuments are best examples of them. So it
will be possible to attract eco-tourists in these historical sites.
Legal frame work of tourism instructed by COOPER MJM WRITTEN BY SALAM ABDUS ,RITSUMEIKAN ASIA PACIFIC UBUVERSITY
Natural Resources : Bangladesh boasts to having magnificent natural resources with green valleys, large forests, longest
beaches, hills, lots of lakes and rivers. Certainly these vital ecosystems contribute greatly to
Bangladesh’s ecotourism potential. The travelers can gain environmental education from these
natural resources.
Culture and Life Style: The ethnic life style of indigenous people of Hill Tracts and various religious
and cultural shows are good forms of cultural diversity which might act as a powerful component of
eco-tourism.
Developing Zone as special tourist spot : By dividing the whole country into different tourist zones Bangladesh could emphasize on eco-
tourism oriented advantages.
BANGLADESH Tourism industry and laws after 1971:To capitalize the potentiality of tourism industry the government of Bangladesh created an
independent Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Before independence it was under central
government. For the proper management of tourism sector a new corporation was established named
Bangladesh porjoton corporation (BPC).Since that BPC is playing vital role in Bangladesh tourism
industry.
The first tourism act of Bangladesh was published in 1992 and it was renewed a newly in 2010 and
2011.But meanwhile different gazette on tourism law and act of Bangladesh was published. Most
new version will be highlighted in coming part. Most new version of tourism law of Bangladesh
accepts in the national parliament on 31 June of 2010.This law for preserving the tourist spot and
recognizing the tourist and limiting the activities of tourist. The law will play a vital role to
development of tourism industry of Bangladesh.
According to the law the definition of tourism is, the activity which people not do for income go
outside from their leisure or entertain and do it for not more than 1 year.
Second according to the law government can acquire any place by negotiation if that place has
potentiality as tourist spot and can do development activities including construction new facilities.
For the proper development and utilization of the preserved tourist any local and international
investing is welcomed .However, if no development work is allowed without the permission of
ministry of tourism and aviation. If anybody tries to break this law and rules he or she will be
sentenced for 5 year or fined 12000 us dollar.
Legal frame work of tourism instructed by COOPER MJM WRITTEN BY SALAM ABDUS ,RITSUMEIKAN ASIA PACIFIC UBUVERSITY
National Tourism Policy (2009)The National Tourism Policy was declared in 1992. Its main objectives are:
To create interest in tourism among the people
To preserve, protect, develop and maintain tourism resources
To take steps for poverty-alleviation through creating employment
To build a positive image of the country abroad
To open up a recognized sector for private capital investment
To arrange entertainment and recreation
To strengthen national solidarity and integrity
In line with the policy, the Government provides incentives to attract private sector partners.
The incentives include tax-holiday, loans, concession rates for taxes and duties and in specific
cases, allotment of land etc.
Strategic Master Plan for TourismA strategic Master Plan for Tourism Development was prepared by UNDP/ WTO in 1990. It is being
updated by WTO. Besides, the Government has taken steps to establish, Special Tourist Zones (STZ)
at Cox's Bazar, Sundarbans and Kuakata. In the meantime a primary field survey has been conducted
for Kuakata . The Government has taken initiative to exploit the eco-tourism potential of the country
for sustainable tourism development.
Tourist Arrivals and entry regulationVISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS All foreign visitors to Bangladesh require a visa. Tourist
visas are the easiest to obtain. Depending on the office you're dealing with, they can be issued for
periods of up to two months (Australians can get six months), and whatever the length of your stay it
is suggested that you apply for the maximum amount of time permitted, or at least specify a date.
Most consular offices will request a letter of invitation along with the visa; this could be a letter from
the tour operator or the contact that you may be visiting.
In case of business visa, they can be issued for periods up to six months, and require a letter
introducing your company along with a letter from your proposed business partner stating the
purpose of your visit.
Foreign tourist arrivals in Bangladesh have been showing an upward trend in the recent years. Total
tourist arrival was more than two hundred thousand in 2001. Statistics of the last five years are
presented below:
Year Tourist Arrivals Change %
Legal frame work of tourism instructed by COOPER MJM WRITTEN BY SALAM ABDUS ,RITSUMEIKAN ASIA PACIFIC UBUVERSITY
1997 182420 9.97
1998 171961 - 5.73
1999 172781 0.48
2000 199211 15.30
2001 207199 4.01
(source BPC)
So ,to measure the policy performance of tourism the financial performance could be a suitable unit
.That is why the financial performance is illustrated below.
Financial Performance:NTO has been a self-financed profitable organization since 1983-84 Financial year. The table below
shows the financial performance for the last ten financial years:
Year Total Income Total Expenditure Taka in lakh
Pretax Profit/Loss
1990-1991 5079.70 4852.92 226.78
1991-1992 4254.31 3970.49 283.82
1992-1993 4673.83 4289.36 384.47
1993-1994 4385.17 4005.01 380.16
1994-1995 4859.37 4378.21 481.16
1995-1996 2455.51 2218.84 236.67
1996-1997 3768.76 3538.49 230.27
1997-1998 4541.87 4304.26 237.61
1998-1999 3776.49 3592.59 183.90
1999-2000 3829.00 3528.97 300.03
2000-2001 3388.26 3187.14 201.12
(Source: bangladesh porjoton corporation home page)
The statistic shows that from 1991-2001 the income from tourism industry did not increase rather it
decrease by 5%.SO government should need to reorganized the national policy for tourism.By the
end of 2008 BTB(bangladesh tourism board) proposed a master plan which later implemented but
could work.So changing the tourism act is needed.
Formation of new TOURISM ACT:Finally,The authorities of Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) are likely to submit the draft
'Bangladesh Tourism Act 2012' to the ministry concerned by next month, officials said.
Legal frame work of tourism instructed by COOPER MJM WRITTEN BY SALAM ABDUS ,RITSUMEIKAN ASIA PACIFIC UBUVERSITY
"We are working on it. We hope to submit the draft Act to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism
(MoCAT) by February after consultation with the stakeholders," Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
BTB Alim Uddin Ahmed told the FE Sunday.
The CEO of BTB said at present the country has a number of Acts to deal with tourism. These are:
Bangladesh Tourism Protected Area and Exclusive Tourist Zone Act 2010, Bangladesh Tourism
Board Act 2010, Bangladesh Hotel and Restaurant Ordinance and Bangladesh Travel Agencies
Ordinance.He also said the country has no policy to regulate the tour operators and rent-a-car
businesses to provide best services to the tourists. Bangladesh Travel Agencies Ordinance 1976 will
also be made up to date in the proposed Act. He said the proposed Act would have separate chapters
on Bangladesh Tourism Protected Area and Exclusive Tourist Zone Act 2010, Bangladesh Tourism
Board Act 2010, Bangladesh Hotel and Restaurant Ordinance, Bangladesh Travel Agencies
Ordinance, Tour Operators, Tourist Guides, Tourism Training Centres and Hotel and Restaurant
Ordinance. "The proposed tourism Act 2012 will incorporate all the existing Acts under one
umbrella that can help gear up the tourism sector of the country," he added. Mr Alim Uddin said the
MoCAT, after getting the draft on the proposed tourism Act from BTB, would put it on its website to
receive suggestions from the stakeholders.(The financial express 23 january 2012).
So, a hint of hope is coming for the tourism industry of Bangladesh which would be manipulated by
the reorganization of national tourism act. Hopefully, A new era would come to the whole industry
which will lead a huge earning form national and international tourist.
Reference:
1. Dr aziz Bangladesh bong er shoskiti (1998),pp23-24,Dhaka prokashoni.
2. Draft Tourism Act 2012 to be submitted to ministry by Feb,The financial express pp.12,23
januray 2012.
3. http://www.independent-bangladesh.com,retreived on 1st august 2012.
4. http://www.businesslaws.boi.gov.bd,retrived on 2nd august 2012.
5. http://bangladesh.saarctourism.org,retrived on 4th august.
6. http://www.parjatan.gov.bd,retrived on 5th august 2012.
7. Mizan R. Khan andMahfuzul HaqueBIMSTEC-Japan Cooperation in Tourismand Environment
Legal frame work of tourism instructed by COOPER MJM WRITTEN BY SALAM ABDUS ,RITSUMEIKAN ASIA PACIFIC UBUVERSITY
Bangladesh Perspective,may 7 2007, Centre for Studies in International Relations and
Development P 534 Raja Basanta Roy Road, Kolkata 700029, India.
Legal frame work of tourism instructed by COOPER MJM WRITTEN BY SALAM ABDUS ,RITSUMEIKAN ASIA PACIFIC UBUVERSITY