The New Nation - Internet Edition

Islamic tourism is a much talked-about topic in the present-day Muslim World. The Islamic countries of the Asia Pacific region have agreed to form an Asia Pacific Islamic Travel and Tours Federation to "safeguard" the interests of Muslim tourists and travel agents. Representatives from the four founding member countries-Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei together with ASEAN neighbour Singapore-have agreed to its formation at the recent Bumitra Islamic Tourism Forum 2008 in Kuala Lumpur.

Islamic travel caters not only to those going for the Umrah and Haj, but also to leisure travel. It can create promising opportunities for the member countries. Muslims can now choose travel packages to Korea, Japan, Europe and the US, in addition to destinations in China, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Islamic tourism has great potential. In addition to promoting Malaysia as a main tourist destination for Muslims, the Malaysian government aims to make that country a tourism hub for Muslims in the region.

In a related development, Malaysia has been praised for its leadership in enhancing trade cooperation, alleviating poverty and various capacity-building measures among Muslim countries during its chairmanship of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

Bangladesh is one of the most populous Muslim countries in the world. It has received attention and respects among the Muslim all around the globe. Our 'Biswha Istimah', many shrines across the country, Islamic historical places etc. may easily woo the Muslim tourists. Besides, our country has the opportunity to promote the total religious tourism. It can really be an extraordinary location for attracting tourists belonging to other religions, particularly the Hindus and the Buddhists, and for whom the interest in making visits to Bangladesh can potentially be huge for historic and other related factors.

Bangladesh needs to make earnest efforts for using the mechanism of Islamic tourism for community development and poverty reduction.

Mohammad Shahidul Islam

Dhaka