Sir Frank Peters :
2019 is the year that marks the centenary birth of Bangabandhu, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Father of the Nation.
No doubt this indelibly marks the year as one of great significance and enormous importance to all Bangladeshis on its own… but it can be much more.
It offers Bangladesh countless opportunities to compete with ‘the big boys’ in the game of tourism, kick-start an ongoing, ever increasing, and immensely rewarding tourism industry and substantially generate untold business opportunities at relatively low cost.
I propose, for the greater benefit of Bangladesh, that the Government gives immediate consideration to capitalizing on the unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that 2019 has to offer. Why immediate? Because time is of the essence, short, and much planning is needed.
I propose that 2019 be given the theme ‘Bangabandu 100’, and for 100 days, in tribute to the Father of the Nation and to grasp world attention that Bangladesh itself be renamed Bangabandhu (for 100 days), complete with its own flag, anthem, et cetera.
I propose nationalism and the love for Bangladesh itself become foremost thoughts in the minds of all and all indifferences, political and otherwise, be shoved to the side and that the nation unites in an atmosphere of song, dance, fun, and enjoyment during the 100 days to welcome the world.
I envisage Bangabandu 100 not only to promote and attract tourists to Bangladesh from all over the world, but also unite the nation in a common cause for the benefit of all, individually and collectively. In 2019 Bangladesh should be the place for the world to be and those who can’t visit should at least know about it and its quality products.
To grasp this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, work needs to begin on ‘Bangabandhu 100’ immediately. It requires extensive planning, the co-operation of many companies, organizations, international airlines, Media (TV, Radio and Press) and individuals both here and overseas to maximize its potential. A project board of politically neutral business and social leaders is needed to orchestrate, oversee, and promote events with a ring-fenced budget.
I have taken the liberty to begin the ‘melting pot’ of ideas process for consideration by the Bangabandhu 100 committee, but, no doubt, there will be countless more superior ideas and concepts added once the creative juices of Bangladeshi talent start flowing.
These are (in no particular order of importance):
That Bangladesh be re-named ‘Bangabandhu’ (for 100-days). Welcome to Bangabandu!
Every tourist be made an honorary citizen of Bangabandu for its 100-days existence and given a numbered diploma upon their arrival certifying this.
That each day the certificate numbers are entered into a draw and prizes are awarded, which are picked-up by the visitors on their departure.
At the end of the 100-days promotion, a draw takes place in which, say, ten lucky winners receive an airline ticket for two … courtesy of the airline on which they arrived.
*Luminaries from the worlds of sports, entertainment and literary circles, especially overseas, are appointed Goodwill Ambassadors for 2019.
International publicity creating events can include a Guinness Book of Records attempt for each (and every one) of the 100-days, such as the largest number of Hafiz boys in the world gathered at one location reciting the Quran from memory. Other events can include spectacular displays and demonstrations by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Rab, et cetera.
A national competition to determine the best Adjan speaker/presenter.
Trade Fairs comprising of miscellaneous quality Bangladeshi products.
A party atmosphere of cordiality, friendliness and co-operation is created at all Bangladeshi international airports.
Applying on-line and avoiding long slow-moving queues at arrival makes fast-Track Visa-on-Arrival applications. Update/modernize Special Branch Police Immigration procedures and provide officers (the first goodwill ambassadors of the nation encountered by visitors) with tourist-friendly training. A smile and a friendly greeting never go unnoticed. A 2019 special commemorative visa of Bangabandhu design.
Tourists are given 100-day visas (at no extra charge) during the Bangabandhu 100 celebration period.
At all airports, ensure all goods in the Duty Free stores are transparent, clean, individually priced, and not open to abuse by unscrupulous employees, as they are at present, which is giving the country a bad image.
A competition to design a flag for Bangabandhu (country) and a national anthem.
Special souvenirs are produced with Bangabandhu promotional licenses (posters, keyrings, pens etc.) issued under license.
All airlines that service Bangladesh, including Biman, to offer special discounted attractive fares during the 100-day celebration and feature Bangladesh in its onboard entertainment and inflight magazines.
All hotels to offer special packages to overseas tourists.
The government issues commemorative sets of stamps, currency notes and coins et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
(Sir Frank Peters is a former newspaper and magazine publisher and editor, a royal goodwill ambassador, humanitarian, and a respected foreign non-political friend of Bangladesh).
