Bangladesh has invited UK investors to invest in its tourism and hospitality sector, seeking foreign direct investment (FDI) to transform the country’s tourism potential into a globally competitive industry.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat made the call at a reception titled “A Cocktail Reception to Highlight UK Investment in Bangladesh Tourism Sector” held at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Baridhara on Tuesday.
The minister said Bangladesh was rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, with attractions including the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest; Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest uninterrupted natural sea beach; the hills and lakes of Chattogram; the tea gardens of Sylhet; and the hospitality of its people.
He said tourism opportunities were not limited to a few popular destinations, as almost every region of Bangladesh had its own history, heritage, culture and natural attractions.
“The goal now is to transform these scattered opportunities into a well-planned, sustainable and internationally competitive tourism and hospitality industry,” he said.
Millat said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was working to attract foreign direct investment and simplify the investment environment as part of broader efforts to diversify the economy and create employment.
“Encouraging domestic and foreign investment in tourism and hospitality is one of our priorities,” he said.
Highlighting the link between aviation and tourism growth, the minister said the government was working to build a sustainable and balanced fleet for Biman Bangladesh Airlines with a combination of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
He also sought cooperation from the British High Commission in addressing restrictions affecting Bangladesh’s air cargo sector.
Since June 2017, the European Union has classified cargo and mail from Bangladesh as “High Risk Cargo & Mail”. The minister said Bangladesh was working continuously to address the concerns behind the restriction.
He said an assessment by the UK Department for Transport on 17 July 2026 gave Osmani International Airport a score of 98 per cent and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport 94 per cent.
Millat sought British support for the speedy withdrawal of the restrictions.
Calling the UK a longstanding friend of Bangladesh, the minister said British people had supported Bangladesh during its struggle to restore democracy and expressed hope that they would continue supporting the country’s tourism development.
“I invite UK investors to come to Bangladesh and invest in our tourism and hospitality sector. We welcome your investment and are committed to ensuring a favourable, secure and promising investment environment,” he said.
Representatives from the UK, Germany, France, Spain and the European Union attended the event, along with officials from Bangladesh Tourism Board, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
