Bangladesh must preserve regional recipes so that the dishes are not lost in time, said Speaker of the Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury.
She made the remark at Mujib's Bangladesh Food Festival “Taste of Bangladesh” on Thursday, held in the capital’s Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Park, requesting the tourism board and authorities concerned to work on the matter.
The Bangladesh Tourism Board, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, has set up a special brand titled “Mujib's Bangladesh” to honour the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
This is an attempt to showcase this country as a great tourism destination with vibrant and rich culture and heritage.
Sharmin further said, “Food is an important segment in every country’s tourism industry. Other countries have some signature dishes, and we also have some too. These food items carry our heritage. I think these dishes will emerge into the spotlight through this festival.
Addressing the event as a special guest, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali said, “This food festival will play an important role in the tourism industry.”
According to Bangladesh Tourism Board officials, regional and traditional cultural programmes have also been organised in this three-day event.
On the first day, Baul songs were performed with the famous Gambhira of Chapainawabganj and Kushtia Lalon artists. Quddus Bayati is set to perform on the second day. Besides, artists will perform the Qawwali songs of Chittagong on the third day.
Puthi Path will be organised every day during the festival. The Taste of Bangladesh has been organised to promote all the traditional foods, songs and culture of the Bengali people.
Under the Bangladesh Tourism Board management and planning, the event is sponsored by IFIC Bank, with health partner United Hospital, ice cream partner Polar, energy partner Beximco LPG, technology partner Bondstein, Cultural Classicists and Spellbound Leo Barnett.
Besides, Dhaka North City Corporation, WASA, Bangladesh Police Gulshan Division, DESCO, Fire Service and Tourist Police will provide overall support in organizing and managing the festival.
