Dhaka — The Kuakata Tourism Carnival 2026 will be held on October 23–24 at Kuakata, the “Daughter of the Sea,” with the goal of strengthening Bangladesh’s tourism economy and promoting Kuakata as a sustainable, community-centered destination. The initiative, led by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (Bangladesh Tourism Corporation), aims to highlight Kuakata’s rare opportunity to witness both sunrise and sunset from the same beach, its natural coastal beauty, local culture, and the heritage of the Rakhine community, while engaging local communities to foster socio-economic development.
The carnival is being organized in collaboration with Action Cut Entertainment, Dhaka Talkies, and Sunflower 360.
At a press briefing held at the Tourism Bhaban’s Shailpropat Auditorium in Agargaon, Chairman of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation and Additional Secretary Md. Shamimuzzaman presided over the event, while Director (Commercial, Grade-2) Md. Goniul Azam delivered the welcome speech. The Chairman emphasized that Kuakata is one of Bangladesh’s most promising sea-based tourism destinations and stressed the importance of involving local communities in tourism activities to boost employment, income, and cultural preservation.
Program Highlights
- October 23: Beach football tournament, official inauguration with dignitaries and guest artists, seafood and indigenous food festival, kite festival, children’s art competition, sunset viewing, Rakhine cultural performances, fashion shows, and musical concerts.
- October 24: Beach marathon, sunrise viewing at Gangamati, poetry sessions, boat trips to Char Bijoy, celebrity beach cricket, Baul music, comedy shows, cultural performances by schoolchildren, fashion shows, and musical concerts. The carnival will conclude with awards and recognition.
Government ministers, MPs from the Barishal region, and distinguished personalities will attend. Celebrities including former national cricket captain Habibul Bashar, actor Nirab Hossain, singer Lemis, model-actress Tangia Zaman Methila, and Ayesha Mousumi were present at the press briefing, alongside officials of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation and representatives of the organizing institutions.
Chairman Md. Shamimuzzaman noted that the carnival is not merely an entertainment event but a significant step toward establishing Kuakata as a sustainable tourism hub. He urged media outlets to promote the carnival widely, highlighting Kuakata’s tourism potential, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty to encourage domestic travel and enhance international recognition.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation expressed hope that the Kuakata Tourism Carnival 2026 will strengthen Kuakata’s tourism branding, increase local participation and economic activity, and contribute positively to the growth of Bangladesh’s tourism industry.
