Bangladesh is setting its sights on becoming a regional aviation hub, a move that Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat believes is crucial for the country's economic aspirations. Speaking at a conference in Dhaka, Millat outlined the government's plans to overhaul the aviation sector, emphasizing the need for world-class airports, efficient passenger and cargo handling, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities. The minister highlighted that these reforms are essential to support Bangladesh's goal of achieving a trillion-dollar economy by 2034.
The conference, titled 'World-Class Aviation for Bangladesh's Economic Advancement,' saw Millat discuss the government's target of transforming the aviation sector. He noted that the current state of the sector does not reflect the potential it holds and stressed the need for necessary reforms. The minister also mentioned the initiation of reforms in civil aviation regulations, which have not been updated for 42 years, to remove obstacles for airlines and other stakeholders.
Millat revealed that the government is involving airline representatives in formulating new regulations to ensure a facilitative yet standard-maintaining regulatory framework. He pointed out the current practice of sending aircraft and components to countries like India and Singapore for maintenance and repairs, which involves significant costs and procedural complexities. To address this, the minister announced plans to amend the Civil Aviation Act and relevant regulations to build domestic aircraft maintenance and repair capacity.
On the expansion of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), Millat informed that the government has revived the third terminal project, which was previously cancelled. He mentioned ongoing discussions with Japan to implement the approximately $2.1 billion project, which aims to increase the airport's capacity from 12 million to over 24 million passengers annually. The minister also highlighted improvements in baggage handling and the use of body-worn cameras to enhance airport security and service standards.
US-Bangla Airlines Managing Director Mohammed Abdullah Al Mamun, who also spoke at the conference, emphasized the need for strengthening domestic airlines alongside constructing large airports. He called for reducing operating costs, introducing competition in ground handling, and broader policy and regulatory reforms. Mamun also stressed the importance of international-standard shopping, entertainment, and other services at airports to truly become an aviation hub.
