Speakers at a seminar on Wednesday said the country's traditional handicrafts, textiles and other small and cottage products are able to attract foreign tourists.
They also urged the government to arrange special incentives to promote the tourism industry and small and cottage industries of the country. Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) in collaboration with Bangladesh Tourism Board organised the seminar on "Importance of Small and Cottage Industries in the Development of Tourism Industry of Bangladesh", held at Tourism Bhavan, Agargaon in the capital.
BSCIC Chairman Sanjoy Kumar Bhowmik attended the seminar as the chief guest while Kamrun Nahar Siddiqa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Industries was present as special guest. Sanjoy Kumar Bhowmik, while addressing, said BSCIC has always played a leading role in the development and growth of small and cottage industries. He said the importance of these industries in the development of the tourism industry is immense. By connecting with the tourism industry, we can create new employment opportunities. Special guest Kamrun Nahar Siddiqa said, "Small and cottage industries are playing an important role in the economy of Bangladesh. Our traditional handicrafts, textiles and other small and cottage products are able to attract foreign tourists."
Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, Chief Executive Officer, Bangladesh Tourism Board presided over the seminar. He said, "The role of small and cottage industries is very important in bringing out the natural beauty, historical places and cultural heritage of Bangladesh to the tourists."
Professor Dr. Santus Kumar Deb, Chairman, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Dhaka was present as a speaker in the seminar while keynote paper was presented by former Additional Secretary and Tourism Expert Jabed Ahmed.
Abdun Nasser Khan, Director (Marketing, Design & Crafts), BSCIC delivered address of welcome while BSCIC's Director (Admin) Shyamoli Nabi, various senior officials of BSCIC, officials of various public and private institutions, business representatives related to industry, representatives of non-governmental development organisations were also present on the occasion.
