State Minister vows to end corruption, improve passenger services at airports

Dhaka: The newly appointed State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, on February 18, announced an ambitious reform agenda aimed at eliminating corruption and improving passenger services at the country’s airports.

Speaking to the media after assuming office at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the state minister said his priority would be to reform the aviation sector by dismantling ticketing syndicates, improving baggage handling services, and easing the hardships faced by migrant workers at airports.

“We want to reform the sector comprehensively. Not only will we remove the ticketing syndicate, but we will also ensure better luggage management and put an end to the sufferings of migrant workers at airports,” he said.

Millat said discussions have already been held with the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and a reform plan has been prepared. He sat with CAAB chairman and ministry secretary shortly after taking charge.

Addressing widespread complaints of luggage delays and theft, the minister assured that strict measures would be taken to prevent corruption and ensure accountability.

“Migrant workers will not face any corruption at the airport. No theft will take place from luggage. We are working to reduce baggage delivery time so that passengers can receive their luggage by the time they complete immigration formalities and reach the conveyor belt area,” he added.

Passengers currently have to wait for hours to receive their luggage after landing, a situation the minister pledged to change within a short timeframe.

The state minister also spoke about alleged irregularities in ticket sales, particularly concerning Biman Bangladesh Airlines. “We have heard that Biman flights sometimes fly with empty seats while passengers are shown online that tickets are sold out. We will eradicate such syndicates and ensure transparency in ticketing,” he claimed.

Millat expressed optimism that visible improvements would be evident within one to two weeks as effective steps are implemented.

In addition to aviation reforms, he highlighted long-term plans to strengthen the country’s tourism sector. “We will focus on tourism development alongside aviation reforms. We have comprehensive long-term plans to boost tourism and improve overall service standards,” he further mentioned.

The minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and passenger welfare, saying that corruption in the aviation sector would not be tolerated under his leadership.

Nasreen Jahan, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, Chairman, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, were also present while the state minister was addressing the media.