PM Tarique maps out Kuakata tourism plans, airport only if viable

He says the government is preparing a national tourism master plan and an ecotourism-focused development framework for Kuakata

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has outlined the government's aim of developing Kuakata in a planned and sustainable way.

Replying to a question from ABM Mosharraf Hossain, the MP for Patuakhali-4, during the prime minister’s question period on Wednesday, he said that work was already under way on a national tourism master plan and a wider ecotourism-focused development framework for the coastal area, with special emphasis on protecting Kuakata’s natural beauty while improving its tourism potential.

The prime minister also referred to a personal connection with the area, saying he had once visited Kuakata with his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and that the memory had left him with a lasting attachment to the region.

He said that work was also under way on a broader planning framework around Kuakata.

According to Tarique, an Action Area Plan is now being prepared to implement the “Payra-Kuakata Comprehensive Plan Focusing on Ecotourism”, covering seven Upazilas around Kuakata: Kalachipa, Kalapara, Rangabali, Barguna Sadar, Patharghata, Amtali and Taltali.

He said the tourism component of that plan would be implemented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism once it was finalised.

The government hopes the plan will help accelerate the overall development of tourism in Kuakata, he added.

Tarique also said a feasibility assessment was under way on a project to improve basic facilities at Patenga and Anwara sea beaches in Chattogram, as part of wider thinking on tourism infrastructure.

Airport Depends on Economic Viability

In response to a supplementary question on whether an airport could be built in Kuakata, the prime minister said the issue would have to be judged on economic grounds.

He said flights might be possible there, but added that a loss-making operation would ultimately have to be borne by the public.

“So from a business point of view, it may not be very good,” he told parliament.

Still, Tarique said the government would try to provide as much infrastructural support as possible if a private company wanted to operate flights there.

However, any such move would have to be based on proper assessment, as the government does not want either public losses or a private venture to fail, he added.