A "sea cruise" will be introduced at the end of this month to attract more tourists, the minister for civil aviation and tourism, Rashed Khan Menon, said yesterday (Thursday).  Tourism is one of the main components of the economy, he said, adding that a large number of jobs will be created if the tourism sector  flourishes.  The minister was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Sonargaon Floating Restaurant and Bar at Pagla.  Shipping minister Shajahan Khan, civil aviation and tourism ministry secretary SM Golam Faruk, BIWTA chairman Commodore M Mozammel Huq, BIWTC chairman Gyan Ranjan Shil, Bangladesh Tourism Industries Corporation chairman Aparup Chowdhury and Narayanganj Zila Parishad chairman Anwar Hossain were also present. “There are around 8,000 tourist spots across the country. More beautiful tourist spots will be created in phases. The Prime Minister has declared the tourism sector as the ‘thrust sector’,” Rashed Khan Menon said.
 The government is trying to develop the tourist spots, including connecting roads and other facilities, he added.  He also urged private entrepreneurs to invest in this sector.
 “Bangladesh is a riverine country. So, it's attractive to both local and foreign tourists,” Shajahan Khan said.  He also said river tourism is losing its attraction due to grabbing of rivers and extreme pollution. “Those grabbing rivers and polluting them are the ‘razakars’ of this era,” the shipping minister added.
 The government is determined to protect the rivers and free them from pollution. They would be freed from encroachment at any cost, Shajahan Khan said.  “We've set up eco-parks in the capital’s Shyampur and Narayanganj's Kanchpur to prevent the river banks from being encroached upon. These parks also provide recreation,” he said.  Eco-parks will also be set up at Barisal and Natore, he added.  He took the opportunity to criticise the BNP’s statements on the newly-formed EC. "The BNP never sees the good side of anything. The BNP, Jamaat and the rest of the 20-Party leaders are suffering from jaundice. We have to protect ourselves from them, otherwise the nation will move backwards."