Bangladesh seeks more flights to Türkiye, also from Chattogram, Sylhet
Dhaka: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has called for stronger cooperation with Türkiye in aviation and tourism, with a focus on expanding air connectivity between the two countries.
He made the remarks on September 30, during a meeting with a Turkish delegation at the ministry's office at the Bangladesh Secretariat in the capital, said a release from the ministry.
The delegation was led by Türkiye's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ramis Şen. Bilal Belyurt, Commercial Counsellor at the Turkish Embassy, and İslam Güre, Country Director of Turkish Airlines in Bangladesh, were also present.
Turkish Airlines currently operates seven weekly flights on the Dhaka-Istanbul route. The Turkish side expressed interest in adding three more weekly services.
The minister said opportunities for additional flights would grow further once the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport opens.
He also urged the Turkish side to consider launching direct flights from Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.
He said a large number of Bangladeshi expatriates, especially from the Sylhet and Chattogram regions, need to travel abroad frequently. Flights from these two airports would make travel easier for them.
On tourism, Millat said the government has taken initiatives to develop 1,498 tourist destinations under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. The government is actively encouraging foreign investors to invest in infrastructure, management, and service quality at these sites.
Inviting Turkish investors, he said Türkiye's experience in tourism development and hospitality could play an important role in strengthening Bangladesh's tourism industry.
Visa facilitation for Bangladeshi citizens was another key topic of discussion. The minister said simplified visa procedures are crucial for boosting people-to-people contact, business, tourism, and mutual cooperation. He urged both countries to take effective measures in this regard.
Both sides expressed interest in deepening cooperation in aviation, tourism, investment, and people-to-people connectivity.
