Inter-ministerial meeting forms joint taskforce for archaeological sites
Heritage Engineering Boosts Cultural Tourism Growth
- Joint technological initiatives launched to modernize heritage preservation and boost tourism GDP
- Inter-ministerial taskforce deployed to assess and engineer 554 national archaeological assets
- Bilateral MoU and standardized operating procedures established alongside airport promotional tech campaigns
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism have launched a joint technological framework to preserve historical sites and modernize cultural tourism infrastructure. An inter-ministerial meeting titled 'Development of Tourism in Integration with Historical Establishments and Archaeological Relics' took place at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs conference room on Monday, 24 August 2026, at 11:00 AM.
Addressing as the chief guest, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat stated, "Tourism is an inclusive industry deeply connected with our cultural ministry. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman envisions taking the national tourism sector to new heights. Currently, tourism contributes only 2 to 3 percent to the country's GDP; our target is to elevate this share to 7 to 8 percent through modernized planning and infrastructure development."
The Minister further announced that a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the two ministries, leading to the formulation of a standardized Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Additionally, a dedicated 'Joint Taskforce for Cultural Tourism' will be established to execute data-driven preservation and promotional strategies.
Chairing the meeting, Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury emphasized, "Bangladesh possesses a rich thousand-year-old heritage that must be scientifically preserved and showcased globally. Our historical structures will be upgraded using modern tourism-focused architectural and engineering standards. The taskforce will systematically inspect the 554 registered archaeological sites across the country before finalizing engineering development plans."
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam proposed deploying multimedia and digital campaigns at international airports to celebrate 'Nazrul Year' for inbound travelers, which was accepted by the tourism ministry for prompt implementation.
Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Kaniz Mawla, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Fahmida Akhter, ndc, alongside senior engineering and administrative officials from both ministries, attended the session.
//DBTech/TIP/SME//
