‘Padma Cruise’ launched to boost river tourism

On Thursday, the Dhaka Cruise and Logistics launched a river cruise from the Shimulia ghat in the Louhajang upazila of Munshiganj to boost the country's naval tourism industry.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali inaugurated the "Padma Cruise," under which there will be two daily cruise packages.

Md Mahbub Ali said, "The Padma Bridge is our pride. The bridge is currently a key tourist attraction. Work is currently underway to introduce visitors' facilities near the Padma Bridge."   

There will be daily day (10am to 1pm) and afternoon cruises (2pm to 5pm) that will run from the Mawa Ghat. 

The cruise packages will include lunch, light snacks, tea, and coffee, with an option to change the itinerary and menu as per tourists' requirements.

During the event, Md Mahbub Ali said, "The government is working to develop maritime tourism. The Bangladesh

Tourism Board and the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation have already taken on various initiatives to develop the river-centric tourism industry."

"Our national tourism development policy emphasises the development of maritime tourism. Naval tourism is also being taken seriously in the tourism master plan that is being formulated for the coordinated development of Bangladesh's tourism industry," he added.

Shamima Jafrin, wife of State Minister Md Mahbub Ali; Hazera Khatun, deputy director of Bangladesh Tourism Board; Md Humayun Kabir, Louhajang upazila nirbahi officer; Md Asaduzzaman, additional superintendent of police, were present among others at the event, which was presided over by Mohiuddin Helal, chairman of Dhaka Cruise and Logistics.