Seminar on “Archaeological Wonders of Bangladesh: Opportunities for Heritage Tourism”

A seminar titled “Archaeological Wonders of Bangladesh: Opportunities for Heritage Tourism” was held on October 31, 2025, organized by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) as part of the 13th Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2025. The event took place at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center (BCFCC), Dhaka, and brought together prominent professionals, scholars, and policymakers from the fields of archaeology, tourism, and cultural heritage.

Ms. Sayema Shahin Sultana, Chairman of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, attended the event as Chief Guest. Ms. Sabina Alam, Director General of the Department of Archaeology, graced the occasion as Special Guest, while Dr. Md. Ataur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, delivered the Keynote Speech.

Professor Mohammed Nasimul Azim, Head and Director of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) at the World University of Bangladesh (WUB), participated as a Discussant in the seminar.

In his remarks, Professor Azim highlighted the vital role of heritage tourism in promoting Bangladesh’s cultural identity and strengthening its presence on the global tourism map. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s archaeological and heritage sites are not merely historical remnants but living representations of the nation’s cultural soul. He noted that strategic branding and effective interpretation of these heritage assets could greatly contribute to the country’s socio-economic development and cultural preservation.

Professor Azim further called for stronger collaboration among academics, policymakers, and the private sector to safeguard Bangladesh’s archaeological and cultural heritage. He suggested that key heritage elements—such as Buddhist sites, the Behula-Lakhindar legend, Taherpur’s Durga Puja, and Bengal’s early historical narratives—should be integrated into the nation’s tourism branding strategy. By doing so, he asserted, Bangladesh could achieve greater global recognition as a country of profound cultural richness and historical depth.

Other representatives from the World University of Bangladesh (WUB) who attended the seminar included Md. Abdul Latif Mahmud, Assistant Professor & Academic Coordinator, Department of THM; Nasrin Shamima, Faculty of Business Administration; Mr. Pulak Sarker, Senior Lecturer, Department of THM; Md. Morsalin, Lecturer, Department of THM; Md. Rakibul Islam, Senior Assistant Registrar; and Md. Kamrul Hossain, Joint Registrar, World University of Bangladesh.