Dubai-bound Bangladeshi jobseekers are being scammed with fake visas more than ever, but the authorities are yet to take any effective measure to remedy the situation.
This ill practice came to the forefront again on Monday when a total of 87 Bangladeshi jobseekers were deported from Dubai Airport as the immigration authorities found their visas to be fake.
"This sort of case is not new. Every week some workers are deported from Dubai for similar reasons," said an immigration police officer at Zia International Airport. Only when a large number of workers are deported, it catches the attention of the media, he added.
Abdul Malek, director general of Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET), said the United Arab Emirates (UAE) issues "photocopy visas" and the BMET does not have any way to verify the authenticity of the visas.
When a country, such as the UAE, issues photocopy visas to foreign workers, the workers will not have the original visa attached to their passports. Instead, they will receive photocopies or faxed copies of the original visas to present before the immigration authorities in the port of entry of that particular country.
When the workers arrive in Dubai and go through immigration process, their employers or their representatives come to the airport to receive the workers with their original visas.
"Our mission [Bangladesh Embassy] in Dubai cannot attest all the visas issued for our workers. Besides, the small number of officials cannot attest all of the approximately 30,000 visas issued a month," said Abdul Malek.
Fraudsters are highly active to take advantage of this process and they are producing fake visas to cheat the jobseekers, said an immigration official.
Asked about the matter Didarul Haque, managing director of Heaven Overseas, that processed documents of six of the deported workers, said they only helped the workers get emigration clearance from BMET and that they were not involved in securing or buying visas of the workers.
In the cases of other countries, there are mechanisms that authenticity of visas could be checked on their websites, but no such mechanism is available for visas issued by the UAE, he said.
"The government should take up the issue immediately with UAE authorities. Otherwise, workers will continue to suffer and the travel agents that arrange the air tickets for the workers will also be affected, as they have to pay the cost of for the return ticket of the deported workers," Didarul Haque said.
Preferring anonymity, another recruiting agent said workers may be deported also because the employers or their managers in Dubai do not accept the workers if they do not get the "payment" for the visas, which are sold against good amount of money.
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Abdul Matin Chowdhury, however, believes that there are people in Bangladesh who prepare such fake visas and that they have links with the recruiting agents.
"We shall take actions against the recruiting agencies who processed the documents for the deported workers," he said.
Asked if it was not government indifference about the fact that it has not taken up the issue with UAE authorities or have a mechanism to check the authenticity of the visas, the secretary said, "We have asked our mission in Dubai to talk to the authorities about it. They also tried, but they do not have enough access to UAE authorities."
Abdul Matin Chowdhury, however, said Bangladesh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UAE and the joint committee formed under the MoU will soon discuss the issue in the UAE. There are also initiatives at diplomatic levels, he said.
Asked what will happen to the workers already deported, BMET DG Abdul Malek said, "We shall write letters to the 13 agencies involved to arrange jobs for the deported workers.”
Sourece: The Daily Star Dated 20-08-2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Dhaka Tourism Fair begins on 21-Aug-2008
A four-day 2nd Dhaka Tourism Fair 2008 will begin at the Bashundhara City Complex on Thursday for promoting local tourism.
About a hundred organisations including tour operators, hotels, motels, resorts, theme parks, youth adventure clubs, travel agencies and airlines will take part at the fair which will remain open from 11:00am to 7:0pm till August 24 on the 7th floor of Bashundhara City Complex.
Parjatan Bichitra, a monthly magazine, will organise the tourism fair in association with Banglalink. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh, Tour Operator Association of Bangladesh and Tourism Developers Association of Bangladesh will coordinate with the organiser.
Mahbub Jamil, special assistant to chief adviser and in charge of the ministry of civil aviation and tourism, is expected to inaugurate the fair.
The Parjatan Bichitra editor, Mahiuddin Helal, speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club on Tuesday said the participating organization will exhibit their discount package tours, discount hotels and motels.
Visitors would also get the chance to visit the Bashundhara indoor amusement park and the Toggy World with the same ticket, said Helal, also the convener of the event.
Workshops on finance for tourism business, travel safety and adventure tourism will also be held at the venue during the fair. ‘Tourism gossip corner for the travel writers and adventurer tourists would be extra attraction at the fair,’ said Helal.
The BPC will set up a stall for the visitors to cast their votes for Cox’s Bazar and Sundarban at the natural seven wonders voting website.
The objective of the fair is to make the local tourism more attractive and market the local tourist destinations in the world tourism market, Helal said.
The entry fee is Tk 10 and visitors would be able to participate in raffle draw with the same ticket.
Banglalink’s marketing executive, Samnun Moheb Chowdhury, and the Tourism Developers Association of Bangladesh president, Jamiul Ahmed were present at the press conference.
Sourece: New Age Dated: 20-08-2008
About a hundred organisations including tour operators, hotels, motels, resorts, theme parks, youth adventure clubs, travel agencies and airlines will take part at the fair which will remain open from 11:00am to 7:0pm till August 24 on the 7th floor of Bashundhara City Complex.
Parjatan Bichitra, a monthly magazine, will organise the tourism fair in association with Banglalink. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh, Tour Operator Association of Bangladesh and Tourism Developers Association of Bangladesh will coordinate with the organiser.
Mahbub Jamil, special assistant to chief adviser and in charge of the ministry of civil aviation and tourism, is expected to inaugurate the fair.
The Parjatan Bichitra editor, Mahiuddin Helal, speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club on Tuesday said the participating organization will exhibit their discount package tours, discount hotels and motels.
Visitors would also get the chance to visit the Bashundhara indoor amusement park and the Toggy World with the same ticket, said Helal, also the convener of the event.
Workshops on finance for tourism business, travel safety and adventure tourism will also be held at the venue during the fair. ‘Tourism gossip corner for the travel writers and adventurer tourists would be extra attraction at the fair,’ said Helal.
The BPC will set up a stall for the visitors to cast their votes for Cox’s Bazar and Sundarban at the natural seven wonders voting website.
The objective of the fair is to make the local tourism more attractive and market the local tourist destinations in the world tourism market, Helal said.
The entry fee is Tk 10 and visitors would be able to participate in raffle draw with the same ticket.
Banglalink’s marketing executive, Samnun Moheb Chowdhury, and the Tourism Developers Association of Bangladesh president, Jamiul Ahmed were present at the press conference.
Sourece: New Age Dated: 20-08-2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Number of Hajj Pilgrims Drops by 33pc on 2008
The number of Hajj pilgrims will be lesser by around 33 per cent this year from the expected target of around 65,000, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB).
A total of 45,416 intending pilgrims have deposited their 'Moallem fee' until the last date on July 13, to perform Hajj this year of them, 7,363 were ballotee and 38,053 non-ballottee pilgrims.
Leaders of HAAB, an association of 330 Hajj agencies, told the FE that the number of Hajj pilgrims fell due to the government's new rule for paying Moallem fee much ahead of the occasion.
Abdus Shukkur, former HAAB president said that economic constraints, new rules for depositing Moallem fee were the main reasons for the slump in Hajj business this year.
He also said: "We think that the general election scheduled for December might be another potential reason for the drop in number of hajj pilgrims."
The Hajj is likely be take place on December 7 or December 8 depending on the sighting of the Moon, and the national elections as per the election road map was also planned in December this year.
Moulana Yakub Sharafati, secretary general of HAAB said the increase in the airfare has also discouraged many Muslims from performing Hajj.
This year, the Dhaka-Jeddah plane fare has been fixed at US$ 1350. Chittagong/Sylhet- Jeddah is $ 1450.
Bangladesh Biman Airlines transport most of the Hajj pilgrims while Saudi Airline carry a small number of Hajis. Hajj flights generally start a month before the Hajj.
HAAB secretary, however, urged the government to declare open sky policy for the interest of the country's thousands of Hajis as every year they suffer much due to mismanagement by the national carrier.
Mohammed Faruk, HAAB president told the FE that cancellation of around 60 hajj agencies might be another reason for the drop in the number of Hajj pilgrims this year.
Source: The Financial Express, Dated:2008-08-13
A total of 45,416 intending pilgrims have deposited their 'Moallem fee' until the last date on July 13, to perform Hajj this year of them, 7,363 were ballotee and 38,053 non-ballottee pilgrims.
Leaders of HAAB, an association of 330 Hajj agencies, told the FE that the number of Hajj pilgrims fell due to the government's new rule for paying Moallem fee much ahead of the occasion.
Abdus Shukkur, former HAAB president said that economic constraints, new rules for depositing Moallem fee were the main reasons for the slump in Hajj business this year.
He also said: "We think that the general election scheduled for December might be another potential reason for the drop in number of hajj pilgrims."
The Hajj is likely be take place on December 7 or December 8 depending on the sighting of the Moon, and the national elections as per the election road map was also planned in December this year.
Moulana Yakub Sharafati, secretary general of HAAB said the increase in the airfare has also discouraged many Muslims from performing Hajj.
This year, the Dhaka-Jeddah plane fare has been fixed at US$ 1350. Chittagong/Sylhet- Jeddah is $ 1450.
Bangladesh Biman Airlines transport most of the Hajj pilgrims while Saudi Airline carry a small number of Hajis. Hajj flights generally start a month before the Hajj.
HAAB secretary, however, urged the government to declare open sky policy for the interest of the country's thousands of Hajis as every year they suffer much due to mismanagement by the national carrier.
Mohammed Faruk, HAAB president told the FE that cancellation of around 60 hajj agencies might be another reason for the drop in the number of Hajj pilgrims this year.
Source: The Financial Express, Dated:2008-08-13
Paksey can be built as striking tourism area
A T M Nurun Nabi: Paksey, in the district of Pabna, can be built as a striking tourism area. Tourism has nowadays become one of the major sources of income in many countries. And It becomes possible only when the government pays due attention and draws a strategy. The governments of the advanced countries of the world spend a huge sum of money for developing the infrastructure of the possible tourism centres for attracting the foreigners. As a result, countries like Singapore, Hong Kong of China and Malaysia earn billion of dollars annually, meaning that tourism can make a good contribution to the economic development of any country. In this race, Bangladesh may be a good contestant because there are potentials. Those places which could be turned into striking tourism centres are Paksey in the district of Pabna, Cox's Bazaar, Jaflong in Sylhet, Ramsagar in Dinajpur, Banaripara in Barisal, Kuakata in Patuakhali, Sonargaon in Narayanganj, all historical places and the islands of Hatiya, Sandwip and Kutubdia.
Paksey, home of the country's largest railway division, is linked with the rest of country by both the rail and the road. It can be conjoined by air if the damaging and perishing infrastructures of the abandoned airport at Ishurdi, five miles in the north-east, are rebuilt. Paksey has many potentialities to qualify as tourism centre. Some of them are the 5,900 feet long Hardinge Railway Bridge, the Lalon Shah Bridge, the newly constructed EPZ, the friendly environment, the sands and dunes of once rough and tough river Padma and the height of the railway station above the surface (it looks like a hill from distance).
Hardinge Bridge was commissioned to traffic in 1915 when the World War II was burning half of the world. It was constructed at such a time when Great Britain was involved in the fierce war against Germany and her allies. But the then government continued construction work fearless of the last effect of the war. In fact, the success of a project depends upon the good gesture of the government.
However, the specialty of the bridge is its imposing design and marvelous construction. Perhaps, very few railway bridges in the world can match Paksey in the field of design and construction. The double-lane broad gauge lines and a footpath have added extra dimension which can be viewed from under the bridge and Paksey Station. The best prize of Paksey is its friendly environment. As no bus or truck plies in the town, and as baby taxi and cab are seldom found moving with passengers, there is little possibility of the environment becoming polluted. As such, there is little chance of health hazard.
The height of Paksey Station is magnetism. About 45 feet above the surface from the south gives one a unique opportunity to view things of a far distance places around him. Another feature of Paksey is its large trees. Although the unscrupulous people chopped many large trees after independence, particularly during the nineties and onwards, yet Paksey looks beautiful, especially at night owing to electricity. One traveling by train will be charmed when the train passes through Paksey Station and the Hardinge Bridge.
Looking at the dune of Padma, the tourists will be able to experience the bite of the Farakka Barrage constructed on the Indian part of the river Padma. The barrage was commissioned in 1979 and later dried up river Padma and seriously affected GK Project in Kushtia. The bitter experience the foreigners will justify Bangladesh's right to the water of the Padma.
Paksey has been promoted as business centre following the construction of EPZ. Many new buildings have been constructed to increase the potentiality of the town.. In addition, Paksey has green landscape, an extra beauty for the tourists.
Sourec: The Bangladesh Today Dated:2008-08-14
Paksey, home of the country's largest railway division, is linked with the rest of country by both the rail and the road. It can be conjoined by air if the damaging and perishing infrastructures of the abandoned airport at Ishurdi, five miles in the north-east, are rebuilt. Paksey has many potentialities to qualify as tourism centre. Some of them are the 5,900 feet long Hardinge Railway Bridge, the Lalon Shah Bridge, the newly constructed EPZ, the friendly environment, the sands and dunes of once rough and tough river Padma and the height of the railway station above the surface (it looks like a hill from distance).
Hardinge Bridge was commissioned to traffic in 1915 when the World War II was burning half of the world. It was constructed at such a time when Great Britain was involved in the fierce war against Germany and her allies. But the then government continued construction work fearless of the last effect of the war. In fact, the success of a project depends upon the good gesture of the government.
However, the specialty of the bridge is its imposing design and marvelous construction. Perhaps, very few railway bridges in the world can match Paksey in the field of design and construction. The double-lane broad gauge lines and a footpath have added extra dimension which can be viewed from under the bridge and Paksey Station. The best prize of Paksey is its friendly environment. As no bus or truck plies in the town, and as baby taxi and cab are seldom found moving with passengers, there is little possibility of the environment becoming polluted. As such, there is little chance of health hazard.
The height of Paksey Station is magnetism. About 45 feet above the surface from the south gives one a unique opportunity to view things of a far distance places around him. Another feature of Paksey is its large trees. Although the unscrupulous people chopped many large trees after independence, particularly during the nineties and onwards, yet Paksey looks beautiful, especially at night owing to electricity. One traveling by train will be charmed when the train passes through Paksey Station and the Hardinge Bridge.
Looking at the dune of Padma, the tourists will be able to experience the bite of the Farakka Barrage constructed on the Indian part of the river Padma. The barrage was commissioned in 1979 and later dried up river Padma and seriously affected GK Project in Kushtia. The bitter experience the foreigners will justify Bangladesh's right to the water of the Padma.
Paksey has been promoted as business centre following the construction of EPZ. Many new buildings have been constructed to increase the potentiality of the town.. In addition, Paksey has green landscape, an extra beauty for the tourists.
Sourec: The Bangladesh Today Dated:2008-08-14
UAE Firm to Build Exclusive Tourist Zone at Sonadia
A United Arab Emirates (UAE) investment group has expressed interest in building an exclusive tourist zone only for foreigners at Sonadia Island in Cox's Bazar, as world's longest unbroken sea beach in the district holds huge untapped tourism prospects.
Investment Authority of Ras Al Khaimah, an emirate of the United Arab Emirates, has set its sights on the panoramic site on the beach of the Bay of Bengal.
Following the proposal from the investment group of the oil-rich Gulf state, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is now conducting a feasibility study.
“Few days back, a representative of Ras Al Khaimah authority made a visit to Sonadia Island. They want to build an exclusive tourist zone at the Island. After that, the Tourism Ministry has asked the Parjatan Corporation to conduct a feasibility study,” Syed Mohammad Zobaer, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, told UNB.
Sonadia Island is about seven kilometers off Cox's Bazar and about nine-square-kilometer in area in the embrace of the Bay. The western side of the island is sandy and different kinds of shells are found on the beach. Off the northern part of the island, there are beds of windowpane oysters.
During winter, fishermen set up temporary camps on the island and dry their catches of sea fish.
The secretary said the Ras Al Khaimah group has a plan to develop the tourist zone with all modern facilities and arrangements maintaining global standards.
Asked about the feasibility of the proposed Sonadia Exclusive Tourist Zone, he said in terms of natural beauty, the island is very much full of prospects. But the main concern is the environmental aspect of the island .
Investment Authority of Ras Al Khaimah, an emirate of the United Arab Emirates, has set its sights on the panoramic site on the beach of the Bay of Bengal.
Following the proposal from the investment group of the oil-rich Gulf state, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is now conducting a feasibility study.
“Few days back, a representative of Ras Al Khaimah authority made a visit to Sonadia Island. They want to build an exclusive tourist zone at the Island. After that, the Tourism Ministry has asked the Parjatan Corporation to conduct a feasibility study,” Syed Mohammad Zobaer, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, told UNB.
Sonadia Island is about seven kilometers off Cox's Bazar and about nine-square-kilometer in area in the embrace of the Bay. The western side of the island is sandy and different kinds of shells are found on the beach. Off the northern part of the island, there are beds of windowpane oysters.
During winter, fishermen set up temporary camps on the island and dry their catches of sea fish.
The secretary said the Ras Al Khaimah group has a plan to develop the tourist zone with all modern facilities and arrangements maintaining global standards.
Asked about the feasibility of the proposed Sonadia Exclusive Tourist Zone, he said in terms of natural beauty, the island is very much full of prospects. But the main concern is the environmental aspect of the island .
Source:The Daily Star, Dated:13-08-2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Exciting Job openings in Tourism Industry
The hospitality and tourism industry has been well thought-out to be the vastest industry in the world. Its triumph is reviewed by economic indicators such as tourism share of employment and GDP (gross domestic product), or growth in revenues. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, 2007 proved to be the 4th consecutive year of health growth since 2004. The annual increase in travel and tourism economy GDP has averaged 4% in real terms. This is faster than that of the global economy overall. And in the same period travel and tourism has created more than 34 million jobs.
The long-term forecasts point to a mature but steady phase of growth for world Travel and Tourism between 2009 and 2018 with an average growth rate of 4.4% per annum, supporting 297 million jobs and 10.5% of global GDP by 2018. In 2020 the UNWTO envisages 1.6 billion travelers compared to around 900 million travelers in 2007.
The long-term forecasts point to a mature but steady phase of growth for world Travel and Tourism between 2009 and 2018 with an average growth rate of 4.4% per annum, supporting 297 million jobs and 10.5% of global GDP by 2018. In 2020 the UNWTO envisages 1.6 billion travelers compared to around 900 million travelers in 2007.
These are all very impressive figures. But what do they mean? They mean that the Tourism and Hospitality industry is in dire need for human resources to accommodate this mammoth growth. It means that tourism can be the ideal choice for people who are looking for long-term career prospects.
It is vital that young people see tourism and hospitality as a serious and rewarding career choice. Yet not many do. Could it be that they are not well informed about the enormous opportunities that exist by, for instance, career counselors in their high schools, the media, the industry itself, family members or colleagues, or even government authorities representing the industry? Are they aware that young entrants and graduates of hotel management schools can move rapidly up the career ladder and with the proper higher education can aim to be in significant management positions by their mid 30's?
The biggest shortage over the next 10 years seems to be with semi-skilled labor, but the most critical area is with the skilled labor: managers and supervisors. In order to recruit top talent, the industry must speak out loud to attract bright youngsters to join it. The industry must attract young men and women who are looking to develop a career rather than only developing their skills. Employers who look to retain talent need to take more of a stake in their employees' careers.
The other day I leafed through a hospitality news letter and found the following 2 hospitality mentors' commentaries: Joelle Hellinckx, Hilton Hotels' Director of Resourcing for Europe recently commented: "We are planning to open 121 new hotels in Europe by 2016 which, in terms of people, means that by 2011 we need 39 additional general managers and 104 operational managers. In Hilton we already have a large talent pool and have defined paths to reach general manager positions, but we need to find additional people to meet this demand."
Starwood, the world leading Hotel Company, is opening 50 hotels each year over the next five years. "We identified that, by 2009, there would be a gap, so we launched 'Grow global projects'," said Jane Wright, Regional Director of Human Resources, Northwest Europe of Starwood. "The aim is to recognize people we can fast track, so that, in two years time, they will be able to take over the managerial roles." The group is also working on strengthening its relationship with colleges in order to attract graduates from commerce and finance, as well as hospitality, backgrounds.
These are but two minute examples of the shortage in human resources that leading international hotel chains are experiencing. What the young are probably not aware of is that the global tourism industry provides the largest selection of career prospects to young adults who pursue a quality education in this field. Today the industry is much more than hotel and restaurant enterprises.
It now encompasses an array of companies that specialize in airlines, cruise lines, sports arenas and entertainment / amusement centers, senior living communities, car rentals, casinos, club management, real estate development, meeting planning, consulting, corporate managed services, finance companies with ties to investment banking , asset management, conference and convention management, facility design, catering, bed and breakfast operations, large chain restaurants, general brand management and franchise management, accounting, law, human resources and management training, information technology, travel agencies, and much more.
This can be encouraging to cite here about the Bangladeshi hospitality workers round the world, who are also countable and significant with the see-saw of the global hospitality industry's fate. I am hopeful, once Bangladeshi workers will be dominating in aforesaid positions.
There are numerous opportunities for Bengali graduates in this field. Tourism enterprises are facing fierce competition. In order for them to be successful they need to hire graduates of universities with higher education in hospitality and tourism management who have talent and passion for our industry. The speed of change within the industry including change in customer expectations, competition, legislation, new technology, and economic factors emphasizes the need for the industry to anticipate these changes, be clear about its potential impact and make appropriate adjustments to management structures, roles and development. Thus, the need for graduates with a good solid higher education to facilitate and manage change, from strategic and operational perspectives is a must. Clever enterprises know this and hire only graduates with higher degrees in hospitality and tourism management.
As an industry professional, I am always enthusiastic to spread the word around and encourage young people of Bangladesh to choose hospitality and tourism as a career and urge them to pursue a quality education to prepare themselves for promising leadership positions-the great perks await them.
Source: The Independent Dated: 2008-08-05
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Maldives to recruit workers
Maldives is looking to semi-skilled and skilled Bangladeshi workers for its burgeoning tourism sector, said Maldives foreign minister Abdullah Shahid Friday.
Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury met with his Maldives counterpart on the sidelines of SAARC’s 30th Council of Ministers meeting in Colombo, said a foreign ministry statement.
The two-day ministerial meeting—preceding the 15th SAARC Summit—ended Friday in the Sri Lankan capital, attended by the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
‘Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury was told by Maldivian foreign minister Abdullah Shahid that Maldives was keen to have more semi-skilled and skilled Bangladeshi labour for their growing tourism sector,’ the foreign ministry said.
Shahid praised the contribution of Bangladeshi workers to the development of the Maldivian economy, it added.
There are more than 40 thousand Bangladeshis in the Indian Ocean island state, mostly working at either unskilled or semi-skilled jobs. The country is mainly dependent on tourism and fishing.
Iftekhar told his Maldivian counterpart that 37 technical training centres of Bangladesh are expected to provide 49,000 skilled pairs of hands this year, which could satisfy, among others, the needs of Maldives.
The foreign adviser also held a sideline meeting with Nepalese finance minister Dr Ram Saran Mahat on Friday.
They discussed ways and means of increasing trade, investment and cultural ties between the two countries, the foreign ministry said.
Source: New Age : Dated 02-08-2008
Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury met with his Maldives counterpart on the sidelines of SAARC’s 30th Council of Ministers meeting in Colombo, said a foreign ministry statement.
The two-day ministerial meeting—preceding the 15th SAARC Summit—ended Friday in the Sri Lankan capital, attended by the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
‘Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury was told by Maldivian foreign minister Abdullah Shahid that Maldives was keen to have more semi-skilled and skilled Bangladeshi labour for their growing tourism sector,’ the foreign ministry said.
Shahid praised the contribution of Bangladeshi workers to the development of the Maldivian economy, it added.
There are more than 40 thousand Bangladeshis in the Indian Ocean island state, mostly working at either unskilled or semi-skilled jobs. The country is mainly dependent on tourism and fishing.
Iftekhar told his Maldivian counterpart that 37 technical training centres of Bangladesh are expected to provide 49,000 skilled pairs of hands this year, which could satisfy, among others, the needs of Maldives.
The foreign adviser also held a sideline meeting with Nepalese finance minister Dr Ram Saran Mahat on Friday.
They discussed ways and means of increasing trade, investment and cultural ties between the two countries, the foreign ministry said.
Source: New Age : Dated 02-08-2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Moonson Journey in Bangladesh
Morning came to Naljhuri as softly as the night had fallen. We woke up to a lazy, wet morning. It was still raining. One problem with the monsoon mornings is that you cannot figure out what time it is. It could be 6 in the morning or 12 noon. But it would look the same yawning hour. As if time had stopped.
The clouds were painting pictures using the hills as canvas. They made different shapes. Very close to the bottom of the big hill, little cotton balls developed and slowly floated up to form a long dragon. It approached a deer with a big open mouth and devoured it. Then the dragon reached up to disappear into a thick black layer of cloud. Suddenly the scenes were wiped out from our view like magic as a huge cloud engulfed us. Around us was nothing but a milky white layer. We could not see the trees on the lawn, the hills, the lake in the distant. Nothing. It was as if we were drowning in fog.
We could have spent the whole morning watching this esoteric play of the clouds and rain. But then the caretaker said our breakfast was ready and we better started early.
Through the rain our journey began again. It was marshland once again. Beautiful rivers coming down the hills have crossed the landscape. We stopped over a bridge and watch a river flow by, placid and tranquil. Not more than 30 feet wide.
We reached Goainghat river bank after about one and a half hours, hired a boat and set off down the eddies. It would take us two hours to reach Ratargul, the swamp forest we were going to visit. We had heard a lot about this amazing forest and we had planned several times to visit it. But something always came between our plan and its execution.
On our back was an amazing scene. The Jainta hills looked overbearing and bluish. Silvery waterfalls were cascading down the side of the hills like snakes. We were on plain land and there were the hills and the waterfalls. The whole thing looked so unreal. It looked even more unreal on our way back from Ratargul. The hills appeared bigger and bigger, becoming as huge as if falling on us in the end, and the waterfalls faded in through clouds and fogs.
But now, we were going through a ranching country. On both sides of the river roamed herds of cows, buffalos and sheep. Their healthy bodies showed how good these riverbanks were as grazing grounds. Nothing grows here, no grains, no vegetables, no nothing. Only long reeds and grass. The cattle gazed us with their round curious eyes.
This was a lonely place. Strangely lonely for a country of 150 million. You hardly meet a boatman or a fisherman. The few fishermen using nets looked disinterested in their acts. As if they were doing it for the sake of doing something. Even birds were scarce. We saw a few kingfishers and herons. The usual Shaliks were everywhere though. In a place like this loneliness becomes crueler.
As our boat crossed the bend in the river, we saw the forest. The red leaves of Barun trees greeted us to Ratargul. Welcome to Ratargul forest -- one of the rarest unexplored places in Bangladesh.
Source : The Daily Star Dated 29-07-2008 Story: Inam Ahmed Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain
Monday, July 28, 2008
On-arrival visa in Malaysia for Bangladeshis
From now on Bangladeshi nationals will be able to obtain Malaysian visa on arrival, a foreign ministry press release said.
The Malaysian authorities have drawn up a list of 27 countries whose citizens will be required to obtain visa prior to their departure for Malaysia.
"Bangladesh has been excluded from this list, whereas it includes many Saarc, Commonwealth and African countries," the press release said.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who is also in charge of the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, said, "This is good news. However, all of us must be careful that we don't misuse this unique gesture by the friendly Malaysian government.”
Source: The daily Star Dated 28-07-08
The Malaysian authorities have drawn up a list of 27 countries whose citizens will be required to obtain visa prior to their departure for Malaysia.
"Bangladesh has been excluded from this list, whereas it includes many Saarc, Commonwealth and African countries," the press release said.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who is also in charge of the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, said, "This is good news. However, all of us must be careful that we don't misuse this unique gesture by the friendly Malaysian government.”
Source: The daily Star Dated 28-07-08
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tourism Fair Ends on High Note
A three-day tourism fair ended on a positive note in Dhaka yesterday. The fair styled 'BRAC Bank Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Mart 2008' was participated by a total of 55 organisations including different tour operators, airlines, hotels and a bank.
The participants displayed their products and packages at the fair, organised by Amazing Holiday, a travel agency at Bashundhara City Expo Center in Dhaka.
Participants said they received a large number of people at the three-day fair. The visitors were inquiring about packages and discounts offered by different tour operators, they said.
“Although, this is not an appropriate time for travel inside the country, but by visiting the fair, I got to know about some new places, which can be ideal for me to visit in the upcoming season”, said Naira Sultana, a visitor in the fair.
A campaign to vote for Cox's Bazar and the Sunderbans was arranged at the fair, in a bid to ensure that the two places are at the top of the list of the seven natural wonders of the world and the organiser said that some several thousand votes were cast.
Mamun Ashraphi, organiser of the fair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Amazing Holiday, said the aim of the fair was to promote the natural and historical sites of the country that people usually learn about from reading books or newspapers.
“In the present world, tourism is treated as one of the vital sources of earning foreign exchange,” he said by adding that tourism has multidimensional opportunities to create employment.
He said the government as well as private entrepreneurs could utilise the sector for earning money.
The Daily Star, Ittefaq, Channel i and Radio Foorti were the media partners of the fair.
Source: The Daily Star Dt:27-07-2008
The participants displayed their products and packages at the fair, organised by Amazing Holiday, a travel agency at Bashundhara City Expo Center in Dhaka.
Participants said they received a large number of people at the three-day fair. The visitors were inquiring about packages and discounts offered by different tour operators, they said.
“Although, this is not an appropriate time for travel inside the country, but by visiting the fair, I got to know about some new places, which can be ideal for me to visit in the upcoming season”, said Naira Sultana, a visitor in the fair.
A campaign to vote for Cox's Bazar and the Sunderbans was arranged at the fair, in a bid to ensure that the two places are at the top of the list of the seven natural wonders of the world and the organiser said that some several thousand votes were cast.
Mamun Ashraphi, organiser of the fair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Amazing Holiday, said the aim of the fair was to promote the natural and historical sites of the country that people usually learn about from reading books or newspapers.
“In the present world, tourism is treated as one of the vital sources of earning foreign exchange,” he said by adding that tourism has multidimensional opportunities to create employment.
He said the government as well as private entrepreneurs could utilise the sector for earning money.
The Daily Star, Ittefaq, Channel i and Radio Foorti were the media partners of the fair.
Source: The Daily Star Dt:27-07-2008
Tourism fair ends on high note
A three-day tourism fair ended on a positive note in Dhaka yesterday. The fair styled 'BRAC Bank Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Mart 2008' was participated by a total of 55 organisations including different tour operators, airlines, hotels and a bank.
The participants displayed their products and packages at the fair, organised by Amazing Holiday, a travel agency at Bashundhara City Expo Center in Dhaka.
Participants said they received a large number of people at the three-day fair. The visitors were inquiring about packages and discounts offered by different tour operators, they said.
“Although, this is not an appropriate time for travel inside the country, but by visiting the fair, I got to know about some new places, which can be ideal for me to visit in the upcoming season”, said Naira Sultana, a visitor in the fair.
A campaign to vote for Cox's Bazar and the Sunderbans was arranged at the fair, in a bid to ensure that the two places are at the top of the list of the seven natural wonders of the world and the organiser said that some several thousand votes were cast.
Mamun Ashraphi, organiser of the fair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Amazing Holiday, said the aim of the fair was to promote the natural and historical sites of the country that people usually learn about from reading books or newspapers.
“In the present world, tourism is treated as one of the vital sources of earning foreign exchange,” he said by adding that tourism has multidimensional opportunities to create employment.
He said the government as well as private entrepreneurs could utilise the sector for earning money.
The Daily Star, Ittefaq, Channel i and Radio Foorti were the media partners of the fair.
Source: The Daily Star Dated : 27-07-08
The participants displayed their products and packages at the fair, organised by Amazing Holiday, a travel agency at Bashundhara City Expo Center in Dhaka.
Participants said they received a large number of people at the three-day fair. The visitors were inquiring about packages and discounts offered by different tour operators, they said.
“Although, this is not an appropriate time for travel inside the country, but by visiting the fair, I got to know about some new places, which can be ideal for me to visit in the upcoming season”, said Naira Sultana, a visitor in the fair.
A campaign to vote for Cox's Bazar and the Sunderbans was arranged at the fair, in a bid to ensure that the two places are at the top of the list of the seven natural wonders of the world and the organiser said that some several thousand votes were cast.
Mamun Ashraphi, organiser of the fair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Amazing Holiday, said the aim of the fair was to promote the natural and historical sites of the country that people usually learn about from reading books or newspapers.
“In the present world, tourism is treated as one of the vital sources of earning foreign exchange,” he said by adding that tourism has multidimensional opportunities to create employment.
He said the government as well as private entrepreneurs could utilise the sector for earning money.
The Daily Star, Ittefaq, Channel i and Radio Foorti were the media partners of the fair.
Source: The Daily Star Dated : 27-07-08
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Travel Colombo and Male - From Dhaka
Start Flying to Two SAARC countries Sri-Lanka and Maldives with direct flight from Dhaka.
We are glad to hear that Dhaka is going to conneted by Air with Colombo and Male very Soon.
One private Airlines has decleard they are starting their N/S flight on 28 July-2008 on Dhaka-Colombo-Male-Colombo-Dhaka. With following timing
Departure Arrivel Departure Arrivel
Dhaka-08:00 Hrs Colombo-10:45 Hrs Colombo-11:45 Hrs Male- 12:30 Hrs
Male-13:30 Hrs Colombo-15:15 Hrs Colombo-16:15 Hrs Dhaka-20:00 Hrs
The above arrangement is done with locrative fare .
Please Contact Won Phone For further Details - Mr. Sohel 01199-011591.
We are glad to hear that Dhaka is going to conneted by Air with Colombo and Male very Soon.
One private Airlines has decleard they are starting their N/S flight on 28 July-2008 on Dhaka-Colombo-Male-Colombo-Dhaka. With following timing
Departure Arrivel Departure Arrivel
Dhaka-08:00 Hrs Colombo-10:45 Hrs Colombo-11:45 Hrs Male- 12:30 Hrs
Male-13:30 Hrs Colombo-15:15 Hrs Colombo-16:15 Hrs Dhaka-20:00 Hrs
The above arrangement is done with locrative fare .
Please Contact Won Phone For further Details - Mr. Sohel 01199-011591.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Tourism income rises 13pc in 4 months
Foreign exchange earning from tourists and other arrivals to Bangladesh in first four months of 2008 increased by 13.58 per cent over the same period last year.
January saw the biggest 33.55 jump in earnings from holidaymakers and business tourists over the year-ago period on the back of a surge in arrivals after the devastating cyclone Sidr on November 15, 2007, tourism officials and operators said.
Earnings from tourism totalled Tk 232.15 crore in the January-April period this year, up from Tk 204.43 crore of the same period last year.
Tour operators attributed the growth to less or no hassle at the airport during the emergency rules, while tourism promotion officials took credit for it, saying their strengthened campaigns lured more globetrotters into Bangladesh.
Foreigners spent Tk 74.93 crore in foreign currencies in January 2008, compared with Tk 56.11 crore of the year-ago period.
The March figure was, however, down by 6.25 per cent from February earnings from foreign tourist arrivals.
Incomes from tourism were Tk 52.78 crore in March and Tk 45.94 crore in April, marking gradual declines from January peak.
Tourist arrivals marked significant rises over the years with about 2.89 lakh foreigners travelling to Bangladesh in 2007, up from about 2 lakh in 2006 and 2.07 lakh in 2005.
The increase was 135 per cent to 39,345 persons in January 2008, compared with January 2007 arrivals, officials said.
‘Increased number of aid workers and journalists toured Bangladesh during the weeks after the cyclone Sidr. Many of them had longer stay like for 15 or 30 days,’ an official said, analysing the tourist growth trend in the Sidr aftermaths.
A significant number of Chinese and Thai nationals also entered Bangladesh for jobs, especially in mobile phone companies, contributing to the growth in arrivals during the period, hospitality industry sources said.
If the planned ‘China town’ is built in the Dhaka city outskirts, more Chinese citizens will be arriving in Bangladesh in future for business purpose, they said.
‘Arrivals of foreign tourists in the country increased as the airport and immigration department are now free from harassment,’ said MA Muhaimin Saleh, president of Association of Travel Agents Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation chairman Shafique Alam Mehedi told New Age on Monday that the state-run promotion agency arranged several tourism fairs in different parts of the country throughout the year to attract more tourists.
Foreign diplomats stationed in Bangladesh were invited to those fairs so that they could project the country positively, he said.
Worldwide tourists’ movement reached 898 million in 2007, according to the World Tourism Organisation, which forecast that by 2010, international tourist arrivals would reach 1 billion annually.
Source :New Age-2008-07-22
January saw the biggest 33.55 jump in earnings from holidaymakers and business tourists over the year-ago period on the back of a surge in arrivals after the devastating cyclone Sidr on November 15, 2007, tourism officials and operators said.
Earnings from tourism totalled Tk 232.15 crore in the January-April period this year, up from Tk 204.43 crore of the same period last year.
Tour operators attributed the growth to less or no hassle at the airport during the emergency rules, while tourism promotion officials took credit for it, saying their strengthened campaigns lured more globetrotters into Bangladesh.
Foreigners spent Tk 74.93 crore in foreign currencies in January 2008, compared with Tk 56.11 crore of the year-ago period.
The March figure was, however, down by 6.25 per cent from February earnings from foreign tourist arrivals.
Incomes from tourism were Tk 52.78 crore in March and Tk 45.94 crore in April, marking gradual declines from January peak.
Tourist arrivals marked significant rises over the years with about 2.89 lakh foreigners travelling to Bangladesh in 2007, up from about 2 lakh in 2006 and 2.07 lakh in 2005.
The increase was 135 per cent to 39,345 persons in January 2008, compared with January 2007 arrivals, officials said.
‘Increased number of aid workers and journalists toured Bangladesh during the weeks after the cyclone Sidr. Many of them had longer stay like for 15 or 30 days,’ an official said, analysing the tourist growth trend in the Sidr aftermaths.
A significant number of Chinese and Thai nationals also entered Bangladesh for jobs, especially in mobile phone companies, contributing to the growth in arrivals during the period, hospitality industry sources said.
If the planned ‘China town’ is built in the Dhaka city outskirts, more Chinese citizens will be arriving in Bangladesh in future for business purpose, they said.
‘Arrivals of foreign tourists in the country increased as the airport and immigration department are now free from harassment,’ said MA Muhaimin Saleh, president of Association of Travel Agents Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation chairman Shafique Alam Mehedi told New Age on Monday that the state-run promotion agency arranged several tourism fairs in different parts of the country throughout the year to attract more tourists.
Foreign diplomats stationed in Bangladesh were invited to those fairs so that they could project the country positively, he said.
Worldwide tourists’ movement reached 898 million in 2007, according to the World Tourism Organisation, which forecast that by 2010, international tourist arrivals would reach 1 billion annually.
Source :New Age-2008-07-22
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Know about - Travel in Luxury
Luxury travel is diametrically opposed to traveling on budget. Luxury as the term Suggests, is to have the best of everything by paying the maximum for it. If you have money and want to make your vacations a dream come true then go for the luxuries available in the travel world.
The Hunt for a Perfect Place- The first task to take up is to decide a lavish destination. You can go according to the season like if it is hot, its better to throng the beaches. There are three worlds top most destinations in this category and these are Caribbean, Europe and South Pacific or Oceania.
The Caribbean is the land of water. If you are a water lover then there is nothing like this place. Well known as the worlds fifth greatest water body, Caribbean has more than a hundred islands which turn from the bottom tip of Florida to the northwest of Venezuela. These islands are blessed with exotic beauty of turquoise blue waters and sandy beaches. The temperature is perfect throughout the year at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. What else one can look forward to are the bewitchingly beautiful beach villas with the best of amenities ranging from food to entertainment.
The next outstanding destination can be Europe. The place has the best of everything and foe everyone. Besides a rich historical past, this wealthy destination has all sorts of scenic splendors. There are spectacular slopes of Scandinavia, the humid Mediterranean and the peninsulas to steal your attention.
How can one forget the incredible South Pacific or Oceania as a luxury destination the place has a bunch of marvelous islands like New Zealand, Australia, Micronesia etc. that make you a prisoner of their lust. The place has fascinating lagoons and lively beaches to enjoy all types of water sports and other activities for instance spinner dolphins, humpback whales and the like. The Means to Commute- After you select the ideal place for your journey, think about the way to reach there.
Several options are available of which private jets and helicopters top the list. These private air modes have lots of benefits and convenience. Their services are available round the clock. All you have to do is to call up a private jet or airways company and ask for a jet or plane. These jets not only take least time to reach the desired destination but provide you with privacy, peace of mind, no hassle of booking etc., luggage safety, all in all a perfect journey. If you desire to sail then cruise ships are the perfect option. Silversea Cruise Ships are a good and wise choice. They offer you the best of rooms, restaurants, entertainment like casinos etc.
So there is much more to enjoy along with the oceanic magnificence. Yacht is also a favorable option for the sea admirers. Besides accommodation there is accurate planning for all other requirements. The most renowned luxury yacht so far is known to be SeaDream II. The accommodation, food and entertainment- Go for the best of hotels or resorts available. Make sure they have entire set up to take care of not just your lodging but food and entertainment (casinos, bars etc.). Health spas, gyms, parlors and the like add one more feather to it. So what are you still waiting for--Travel in Luxury- Experience the Heaven on Earth!
Tourist Destination Singapore
Singapore is a reputed turist spot of Asia.Singapore is metropolis with a multicultural touch. There is a big Chinese Community with all its energy, there is a big Indian community whit there fantastic food and the Malay culture in all its glory. Shopping is one of the greatest pleasures in Singapore and it’s the main reason why people come to Singapore. Singapore is definitely for shoppers and Singaporeans favorite slogan is “Shop till you Drop”.
Orchard Road is the place to be, with a dozen Shopping malls you will definitely find what you are looking for. If you are shopping for electronics, try Sim Ling or the Funan Centre. While Geylang Serai, Arab Street, Little India and Chinatown are more for traditional ethnic shopping. Singapore has a huge array of culinary offers thanks to the city's ethnic mix. Food from China, India, Malaysia and even Australia are all available and all the food got its typical Singaporean twist. Have a meal at one of the many hawker places or have a superb dinner in one of the top restaurants. Fill your days with daytrips to the Zoo, Singapore Underwater World, Jurong Bird Park or chill out at one of the beaches at Sentosa.
If you want to put on your dancing shoes, there are plenty of clubs around the city that stay open until the early hours. There are definitely enough things to do in Singapore to fill up your holiday. But most important: Do what the Singaporeans do: Eating and Shopping!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Earnings from tourism
The foreign currency earnings from tourism and related services has largely been outstripped by money spent by Bangladeshi travellers abroad as revealed by a recent media report. Impressive growth in foreign tourist visits even could not hold back the real drain on foreign exchange earnings, official statistics suggest. The number of outbound Bangladeshi travellers has doubled in seven years and they spend more generously abroad than foreign tourists coming to our country. Foreign tourist arrival is growing, but at a slower pace than Bangladeshis going abroad. A study shows, about 1.13 lakh Bangladeshi travellers went abroad in 2000 and their number more than doubled to 2.33 lakh in 2007.
The outbound tourists spent Tk 1,072 crore in foreign exchange abroad in 2007 for tourism purposes. On the other hand, the country's earnings from tourism and related services was about Tk 526 crore in foreign currency. It is rather difficult to have accurate and authentic information on tourism once the national tourism authority comes into being. In fact, the overall growth in the tourism sector was impressive in 2007 despite political uncertainty and major natural disasters like floods and cyclone.
Domestic tourism also grew significantly with an increasing number of people travelling to different natural and archaeological sites, private tour operators say. Cox's Bazar, Teknaf, St. Martin's Island, Kuakata beach, the mangrove forest Sundarbans, archaeological sites and places and places of pilgrimage attracted most of travellers from both home and abroad. According to the global tourism body's index, Bangladesh ranks 120 out of 124 member countries. Efforts must be there at all levels - private and public - to boost tourism as the World Tourism Organisation predicts that global tourism industry will benefit from more than one billion tourists by 2010 and 1.6 billion by 2020. This will give tourism the status of the number one industry globally.
Source:The New Nation 2008-05-12
The outbound tourists spent Tk 1,072 crore in foreign exchange abroad in 2007 for tourism purposes. On the other hand, the country's earnings from tourism and related services was about Tk 526 crore in foreign currency. It is rather difficult to have accurate and authentic information on tourism once the national tourism authority comes into being. In fact, the overall growth in the tourism sector was impressive in 2007 despite political uncertainty and major natural disasters like floods and cyclone.
Domestic tourism also grew significantly with an increasing number of people travelling to different natural and archaeological sites, private tour operators say. Cox's Bazar, Teknaf, St. Martin's Island, Kuakata beach, the mangrove forest Sundarbans, archaeological sites and places and places of pilgrimage attracted most of travellers from both home and abroad. According to the global tourism body's index, Bangladesh ranks 120 out of 124 member countries. Efforts must be there at all levels - private and public - to boost tourism as the World Tourism Organisation predicts that global tourism industry will benefit from more than one billion tourists by 2010 and 1.6 billion by 2020. This will give tourism the status of the number one industry globally.
Source:The New Nation 2008-05-12
Monday, April 28, 2008
One guide for each group of 50 - Hajj pilgrims
The government has decided to send a guide for each group of 50 hajj pilgrims, who will perform hajj under government management, from now on.
The Hajj Management Monitoring Cell president, Hasan Jahangir Alam, also secretary of the Islamic Foundation Secretary disclosed the decision while exchanging views with imams of the Dhaka city on Saturday.
The meeting was also told that the hajj pilgrims would also be able to have food of their choice at government expenses. Besides, the authorities would rent houses near Masjidul Haram for the pilgrims and provide them with transport facilities.
Source: The New Age 2008-04-28
The Hajj Management Monitoring Cell president, Hasan Jahangir Alam, also secretary of the Islamic Foundation Secretary disclosed the decision while exchanging views with imams of the Dhaka city on Saturday.
The meeting was also told that the hajj pilgrims would also be able to have food of their choice at government expenses. Besides, the authorities would rent houses near Masjidul Haram for the pilgrims and provide them with transport facilities.
Source: The New Age 2008-04-28
One guide for each group of 50 - Hajj pilgrims
The government has decided to send a guide for each group of 50 hajj pilgrims, who will perform hajj under government management, from now on.
The Hajj Management Monitoring Cell president, Hasan Jahangir Alam, also secretary of the Islamic Foundation Secretary disclosed the decision while exchanging views with imams of the Dhaka city on Saturday.
The meeting was also told that the hajj pilgrims would also be able to have food of their choice at government expenses. Besides, the authorities would rent houses near Masjidul Haram for the pilgrims and provide them with transport facilities.
Source: The New Age 2008-04-28
The Hajj Management Monitoring Cell president, Hasan Jahangir Alam, also secretary of the Islamic Foundation Secretary disclosed the decision while exchanging views with imams of the Dhaka city on Saturday.
The meeting was also told that the hajj pilgrims would also be able to have food of their choice at government expenses. Besides, the authorities would rent houses near Masjidul Haram for the pilgrims and provide them with transport facilities.
Source: The New Age 2008-04-28
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