Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has assured that Cox's Bazar Airport will be inaugurated as an international airport in the first week of November.

He made the announcement on Saturday afternoon (October 3) while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting and the "Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026" presentation ceremony held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The event, marking World Tourism Awards 2026, was organized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board and featured awards across 13 categories.

The Minister stated that Cox's Bazar is being developed as a regional tourism hub. Work to transform Cox's Bazar Airport into an international facility is underway, with inauguration expected in the first week of November, alongside initiatives to launch direct flights from various countries.

He noted that the government's election manifesto includes a commitment to transform Bangladesh into an international tourism hub. Under the government's 180-day plan, priorities include finalizing the tourism master plan, expanding river and water-based tourism, and attracting private investment.

The Aviation Minister announced that the tourism sector's contribution to Bangladesh's GDP will be raised from the current 3 percent to 7 percent, with coordinated efforts underway between the public and private sectors and relevant stakeholders.

Highlighting investment opportunities across 1,498 tourist spots in the country through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), joint ventures, and leasing, the Minister assured government support for incoming entrepreneurs. He added that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to develop cultural tourism centered around more than 554 archaeological sites.

To ensure tourist safety, initiatives have been taken to increase the manpower of the Tourist Police, he said, emphasizing the need to build a tourism system that provides domestic and foreign visitors with a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.

Speaking as a special guest, Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui, President of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, said that tourism must be advanced through planned initiatives and announced that a proposal to simplify visa procedures for tourists will be submitted to the parliamentary committee.

Additional IGP of Tourist Police GM Azizur Rahman stated that the Tourist Police are actively ensuring visitor security and providing specialized training to personnel.

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Md. Shamimuzzaman emphasized leveraging artificial intelligence and technology to attract tourists, expanding training programs to build skilled human resources, and planning beach carnivals in Cox's Bazar and Kuakata.

Ministry Additional Secretary Md. Abdur Rouf noted that despite possessing all necessary tourism components, expected targets have not been met due to a lack of coordinated initiatives, adding that work on tourism policies and the master plan is progressing.

Bangladesh Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Barrister Mutasim Billah Farooqui stated that work on the tourism master plan will begin soon, with various initiatives underway to attract foreign tourists alongside an emphasis on stopping tourist harassment and easing visa processes.

The event was presided over by Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhter, NDC. Dr. Mohammad Ruhul Amin, Associate Professor at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Dhaka, presented a thematic keynote paper, while UN Tourism Secretary-General Ms. Zurab Pololikashvili delivered a video message.