DHAKA: Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, the sole government body to promote country’s much-neglected potential tourism sector, urged the government to pay sponsor money to the International Cricket Council as the BPC has been elected ICC’s local partner in staging the upcoming global cricketing extravaganza.

The tourism corporation, which has to pay Tk 7 crore to the ICC as sponsor money, begged the government for help because of its fund shortage, official sources said.

Wishing anonymity, a high official of the BPC told banglanews, “Parjatan Corporation has incurred huge loss in last few years. So, it will not be possible on our part to provide such huge amount. There is no alternative to seeking government’s help.”

According to sources, apart from the sponsor money, BPC also sought an additional sum of Tk 3 crore for campaigning and branding purpose.

BPC Chairman Hemayet Uddin Talukder appealed for the money through Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, the sources said.

The chairman pleaded that the big sum of sponsor money is worth paying as BPC would get some facilities in exchange. “We can arrange tours to important tourist spots during ICC matches. Besides, BPC logo will be displayed at every campaign of ICC.”   

Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Shafique Alam Mehedi told banglanews that the Parjatan Corporation and the Parjatan Board would work together ahead of the ICC World Cup Cricket tournament. The corporation has already started the preparatory works, which need lots of money.

“The government will certainly consider the BPC proposal. We can provide them with the total amount,” said the secretary.

BDST: 9:40 HRS, SEP 15, 2010.