Sunrise and sunset from the same beach make Kuakata unique, tourism minister calls for planned development to reach international standard
Photo: Collected
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat believes Kuakata sea beach could become an international-standard tourist destination if three things are ensured: planned development, modern facilities for tourists and environmental protection. He placed special emphasis on these three issues.
In the minister’s words, ‘Kuakata is one of Bangladesh’s promising tourist destinations. With proper planning and development, it can become even more attractive to local and foreign tourists.’
A views-exchange meeting with officials of various departments and agencies under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism was held at Hotel Khan Palace in Kuakata, Patuakhali, yesterday, Friday. A press release issued today said the minister made the remarks there.
At the meeting, the minister highlighted Kuakata’s special tourism potential. In his view, one can watch both sunrise and sunset standing on the same beach here, and together with the wide stretch of sand and natural beauty, this has given the destination a distinct appeal.
To develop Kuakata into an international-standard beach, he stressed putting several issues on the priority list: tourist safety, cleanliness, better transport links and quality accommodation.
The minister also called for modern public toilets, safe drinking water, seating areas, a tourist information centre, parking facilities and emergency medical services in the beach area.
He said that to provide tourists with a safe and pleasant environment, trained lifeguards must be recruited, rescue operations strengthened and waste management made effective.
He also remarked that the public and private sectors must work together in a coordinated way to reap the full benefit of Kuakata’s tourism potential.
Another observation of the minister concerned local people. He said involving the local community and traders in tourism development would create new job opportunities and strengthen the local economy.
He said greater private sector participation in tourism management could also increase the government’s revenue earnings.
The minister said it is possible to turn Kuakata into an international-standard sea beach if planning and development initiatives are taken in a coordinated way and implemented effectively. This would help the country’s tourism industry flourish and also make a major contribution to the economic development of the southern region.
Those present at the meeting included State Minister for Planning and lawmaker Md Junaid Abdur Rahim Saki, Patuakhali-4 lawmaker ABM Mosharraf Hossain, reserved women’s seat-49 lawmaker Sultana Jesmin Jui, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Dr Nurunnahar Chowdhury and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Md Samimuzzaman.
Barishal Divisional Commissioner Khalil Ahmed, Zila Parishad Administrator Akon Kuddusur Rahman, Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner Chowdhury Ashraful Karim, Superintendent of Police Md Abu Yusuf and district BNP President Snehangshu Sarkar Kutti were also at the meeting.
Local public representatives, political leaders, public and private sector entrepreneurs, business leaders and journalists also joined the meeting.
By the numbers
According to Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners Association General Secretary Motaleb Sharif, there were 130 hotels and motels there in 2022, of which 74 were registered and the remaining 56 were not, Prothom Alo’s English edition reported on 13 July 2022.
In the same report, the association leader said that after Eid in 2022, 25,000 to 30,000 tourists were visiting Kuakata every day.
The picture four years later came in a report by The Daily Star Bangla on 20 October: Kuakata now has more than 300 hotels, motels and resorts, with accommodation for about 50,000 people.
Sources
Background sources: Prothom Alo (English), 13 July 2022; The Daily Star Bangla, 20 October 2026
