Bangladesh to be made global aviation hub

Highlighting the potentials of Cox's Bazar, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the government wants to turn Bangladesh into a global aviation hub that will help accelerate the country's current economic march forward.

"Considering Bangladesh's geographical position, we want to make the country the centre of global aviation so that our country is greatly benefited economically," she said while inaugurating the breaking ground of the extension of Cox's Bazar Airport runway.

She joined the programme from the Gono Bhaban.

Hasina said the position of Cox's Bazar is very significant.

In recent times, she said Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok gained importance while Dubai is currently getting the greater attention. "I can say Cox's Bazar will be the most important one in the future," she said.

She said after the expansion of Cox's Bazar Airport, it will emerge as a suitable place of refuelling aircraft from the east and west, and enhance communication with South East Asian countries. "If we can enhance our communications with South Eastern Asian countries, it will help expand our trade and commerce."

After coming to power, Hasina said her government bought 16 new aircraft, including four Boeing 777s, two 737s, four 787-8s, two 787-9s and four Dash-8s.

With these aircraft, she said the government wants to expand Biman's routes, including New York, Toronto and Sydney.

She asked the Biman officials to work with honesty and sincerity and upgrade all services, including security, to international standards.

The PM said the government wants to upgrade the Syedpur Airport to make it a regional airport so that Bhutan, Nepal and some Indian states can use it.

She also said Sylhet International Airport can be used by Meghalay, Assam and other Indian states while Chattogram International Airport can be used by Tripura and other Indian states.

Voicing her frustration for not being able to utilise the new 16 aircraft of Biman, Hasina said these aircraft cannot be operated due to coronavirus.

She mentioned that the construction work on Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) third terminal is going on in full swing. "It will be the most modern one."

She said there will be an underpass from HSIA to Airport Railway Station for the convenience of passengers.

About the development of Cox's Bazar as a tourist spot, she said the government has many development plans for the area to attract more local and foreign tourists.

In this connection, the PM mentioned that the Sonadia Eco Park which will be preserving all natural elements.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali, Secretary of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Md Mokammel Hossain and Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Air-Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman also spoke at the event.

A video on the development of the aviation industry of Bangladesh was screened at the programme.