History and Content Tourism Law of Bangladesh

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.


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 %


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.


"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


http://bangladesh.saarctourism.org,retrived

http://www.parjatan.gov.bd,retrived

http://www.businesslaws.boi.gov.bd,retrived

http://www.independent-bangladesh.com,retreived

Bangladesh Perspective,may 7 2007, Centre for Studies in International Relations and

Development P 534 Raja Basanta Roy Road, Kolkata 700029, India.


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History and Content Tourism Law of Bangladesh