A seminar on ‘Importance of Small and Cottage Industries in the Development of Tourism Industry of Bangladesh’ was held at Shailprapat Auditorium at Tourism Bhaban at Agargaon in the capital on Wednesday.
The seminar was organised by Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation in collaboration with Bangladesh Tourism Board.
BSCIC chairman Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik was present as chief guest in the seminar and Kamrun Nahar Siddiqa, additional secretary, Ministry of Industries, was present as special guest.
The seminar was presided over by Abu Taher Muhammad Zaber, chief executive officer, Bangladesh Tourism Board, said a press release.
Professor Santosh Kumar Deb, chairman of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Dhaka, was present as a speaker in the seminar and the keynote was presented by Javed Ahmed, former additional secretary.
Welcome speech was given by Abdun Nasser Khan, director (marketing, design and crafts), BSCIC. The programme was moderated by Sheikh Ali Ashraf Faruq, designer, BSCIC.
Also present were BSCIC director (administration) Shyamoli Nabi, senior officials of BSCIC, officials of different public and private institutions, business representatives, non-government organisations, development associate organisations, representatives of print and electronic media.
Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik said, ‘The number of tourists within our country has increased geometrically recently. In this regard, BSCIC’s contribution is 11 per cent. More than 10 lakh jobs have been created in BSCIC industries of which more than three lakh are women.
He highlighted that the prime minister declared handicrafts as the Product of the Year 2024.
Special guest Kamrun Nahar Siddiqa said, ‘Small and cottage industry is playing an important role in the economy of Bangladesh. Our traditional handicrafts, textiles and other small and cottage industry products are able to attract foreign tourists.’
Abu Taher Muhammad Zaber said, ‘The role of small and cottage industries is very important showcasing the natural beauty, historical places and cultural heritage of Bangladesh to the tourists. The government needs special incentives to promote the tourism industry and small and cottage industries.’
