Govt plans modern cultural tourism hub in Sonargaon

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam said that Sonargaon in Narayanganj is an important center of Bangladesh’s history, heritage, and folk culture and the government plans to transform it into an international-standard cultural and tourism hub through modern facilities and aesthetic development.

He said the government is working to introduce the country’s history and heritage to the new generation. Once the ongoing development projects are completed, Sonargaon will become even more attractive to local and foreign tourists. At the same time, new opportunities will emerge for preserving and promoting folk culture.

He made these remarks on Monday (May 25) after inspecting an ongoing development project worth nearly Tk 148 crore at the Bangladesh Folk Art and Crafts Foundation in Sonargaon.

Earlier, the minister visited various development works inside the foundation premises and exchanged views with project officials and employees. During the visit, he reviewed the progress of infrastructure development, museum expansion, visitor facility improvements, and modernization of cultural installations.

The state minister also said, “This is my first visit to Sonargaon since the BNP government took office. There are many important institutions here under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, including the Department of Archaeology, museums, and libraries.

Our visit is aimed at observing the progress of the ongoing development work.”
Among those present were Member of Parliament for Narayanganj-3 Azharul Islam Mannan, Sonargaon Upazila Executive Officer Asif Al Zinat, Additional Superintendent of Police (Circle) Dipankar Ghosh, Sonargaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Sarowar, Project Director Parimal Chandra Basu, and Deputy Director of the Bangladesh Folk Art and Crafts Foundation Sakhawat Hossain, along with other concerned officials.