Chattogram district administration will develop a 2.5-kilometre stretch from Patenga to Khejur Tala into an international-standard tourist destination.
Patenga will feature modern tourism facilities while Khejur Tala will be developed as a green tourism destination, with emphasis on protecting its natural landscape, the administration said. The plan aims to attract domestic and international visitors and create new opportunities for foreign exchange earnings.
The plan was outlined at a cleanliness and beautification programme at Khejur Tala beach on Sunday, chaired by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian.
Zahid said the district administration had been working since July to make Chattogram cleaner, greener and more tourist-friendly. “We want to open up the entire coastline from Patenga’s West Point to the far end of Khejur Tala and develop it into an attractive tourist destination while preserving its natural greenery as much as possible,” he said.
A meeting last Thursday decided to develop Patenga beach into an international-standard tourist destination, and infrastructure work is already under way, he said.
Zahid said infrastructure alone would not attract international tourists, calling for improved security, quality services and adequate visitor facilities. He urged the administration, Tourist Police, media and tourism stakeholders to work together.
Chattogram City Corporation Administrator Shahadat Hossain said tourism could become the country’s fourth major economic driver alongside the readymade garment industry, agriculture and remittances.
