Whither tourism?
We read a lot about the bright potential of tourism in Bangladesh, but the sector is not taking off since the last two decades (ignoring the first decade after 1971). Why? Neglect by the political regimes; who have other priorities (short-term, not long-term-not allow the completion of a project by the next succeeding regime--credit trade-off).
Secondly, the political culture (monopoly by the two major parties) does not allow continuation of an on-going project. Third: delays in tendering process-negotiations for percentage of private commissions/kick-backs (the energy sector is mummified!).
Tourism development won't work or take-off, until and unless local tourism is first developed to gain experience; to prepare the infrastructure for the second layer of catering to the foreign tourists. This point is not emphasised by those in power. For example, luxury flats are available in plenty, but no market for middle class housing. Reason: black wealth--the sellers and the buyers.
Look at the mess in the transport sector during the Eid holidays. Are we ready for the tourist trade? The basics have to be in place, before the offers become attractive. Our huge population has to be taken care of first, before jumping into alluring the foreign tourists.
Comfort, security, and attention to small details. It means technical planning by the professionals, with active support at the ministry and cabinet levels. Pen-pushing bureaucrats, not accustomed to tourist holidays, find no motivation, in this 'abstract' exercise. The planners and organisers must have first-hand experience (reading about swimming can't make you swim). Evaluate the performance of the BPC. Nothing to imitate! Our political culture has not yet taken off; so how could tourism?
Realities are unpleasant!
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