Bangladesh is moving to build a new service culture at its airports while modernising the national flag carrier, expanding aviation infrastructure and positioning the country as a regional aviation hub, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has said. 'We are not merely solving problems; we are building a new service culture at Bangladesh's airports,' she stated in an exclusive interview, outlining the government's wide-ranging plans for the country's aviation and tourism sectors.
The minister highlighted that the government has taken passenger complaints over baggage handling, airport mismanagement and immigration services seriously and has already introduced a series of measures to improve discipline and service standards. A 'Code of Conduct' has been implemented at the country's three international airports, and executive magistrates are conducting regular monitoring at the field level.
To enhance baggage security, vigilance teams, body-worn cameras, CCTV surveillance and a Baggage Reconciliation System have been introduced, significantly reducing baggage delivery time. International-standard training, modern ground-handling equipment, additional manpower and technology-driven operations are being rolled out, while coordination among immigration, customs, airlines and other airport agencies has been strengthened to ensure faster, safer and hassle-free services.
These reforms are part of a broader government vision to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub. The strategy includes expanding international connectivity, modernising airline fleets, improving passenger services and developing world-class airport infrastructure. One of the key elements of this plan is the modernisation of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
Afroza Khanam announced that Biman will add 24 new aircraft—14 Boeing and 10 Airbus—to its fleet, gradually transforming it into a modern mixed-fleet airline. The government has also initiated a process to lease five aircraft this year, with 40 companies submitting applications to provide aircraft under lease arrangements. 'Our objective is not merely to expand the fleet. We want to build a fuel-efficient, cost-effective and internationally competitive flag carrier,' she said.
The minister identified the opening of the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) as another major milestone in the country's aviation transformation. The government aims to make the terminal fully operational by December 16, 2026. 'The Third Terminal is not simply another terminal. It represents a transformational advancement for Bangladesh's aviation sector and will play an important role in developing the country into a modern regional aviation hub,' Afroza Khanam said.
