Govt. working to make Bangladesh a regional aviation hub: MoCAT Minister
Dhaka: The government is working to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub connecting South Asia with the rest of the world, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said on July 27.
Speaking as chief guest at the "Saudia and HSBC: Powering Global Connectivity—Celebrating Saudia's Journey in Bangladesh" event at an elite hotel in the capital, the minister said Bangladesh was entering "a new era" in its aviation sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
"We are developing modern airport infrastructure, improving passenger services and expanding Bangladesh's air connectivity with the rest of the world," she said.
Khanam said the government's goal is to establish Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub that would serve as a gateway linking South Asia with global destinations.
"We warmly welcome international airlines, financial institutions, and strategic investors to be part of this journey," she added.
Praising Saudi Arabia's national carrier Saudia for its long-standing presence in Bangladesh, the minister said the airline has been serving the country for 46 years, connecting millions of passengers, facilitating overseas travel for Bangladeshi workers and ensuring safe and reliable transportation for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
"Saudia has become more than just an airline. It is an important bridge of friendship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia," she said.
Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Investment and Capital Markets Tanveer Ghani, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya, and senior officials from Saudia, HSBC, and other organizations attended the event.
Speakers at the program stressed the need to further strengthen air connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. They also highlighted the aviation sector's growing role in enhancing global connectivity and discussed opportunities for future cooperation.
