Dhaka, Sept. 13 -- Bangladesh's tourism industry continues to lag behind its South Asian peers, with a decline reported in the business last year, apparently due to deterioration in political stability and law and order.

The situation is feared to deteriorate further, with sites of cultural heritage and events of traditional celebration being constantly targeted in attacks, often by radical Islamists, and their masterminds enjoying impunity.

In stark contrast to other South Asian countries, the contribution of the tourism industry to Bangladesh's economy is only about three per cent. "Bangladesh is not considered a safe tourist destination by many nations," said Kamrul Hassan, who teaches tourism and hospitality at Dhaka University.

"Y...