Govt. pushes PPP model for aviation, tourism development projects

Dhaka: The government has directed officials to give greater priority to Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in the civil aviation and tourism sectors, aiming to reduce reliance on direct government funding while accelerating infrastructure development.

The directive came during a review meeting on ongoing projects and proposed new projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the 2026-27 fiscal year, held at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on July 27, said a press release.

Speaking at the meeting, Civil Aviation and Tourism State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said future development projects should be formulated in line with the current government's election manifesto and, wherever feasible, implemented through the PPP model instead of relying on direct government (GoB) financing.

"We should try to implement projects through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model rather than using direct government funds," he said, adding that development initiatives must ensure people benefit from the country's changing development landscape.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said all new projects should be prepared in line with the prime minister's directives, with careful consideration of their long-term viability and future growth potential.

She also stressed that projects should complement one another and ensure meaningful engagement with local communities in the areas where they are implemented.

Addressing officials, the minister urged them to be more proactive and complete ongoing projects within the stipulated timeframe.

Planning State Minister Md. Jonayed Abdur Rahim Saki also attended the meeting, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Planning Ministry, and other relevant agencies.

The meeting reviewed ongoing development projects and unapproved new proposals included in the ADP for FY2026-27.