The Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) has demanded the suspension of the license issuance process for tour operators and tour guides until necessary reforms are made. In 2021, the Tour Operator and Guide Act was enacted, and the regulations were published in 2024.
The new regulations require a registration fee of 50,000 BDT, a bank certificate of 1 million BDT, and a security deposit of 300,000 BDT, which is considered excessive by tour operators, read a press release of Toab. Similar conditions do not apply to other licenses under the same ministry.
TOAB President Md. Rafeuzzaman mentioned that he had requested the authorities to amend these conditions several times, but on January 22, 2025, the Bangladesh Tourism Board started the license issuance process based on the existing regulations.
In response, TOAB held a sit-in at the Bangladesh Tourism Board on Thursday and submitted a memorandum requesting the authorities to review and take appropriate action. TOAB's directors, members, and media representatives were present.
