The government aims to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub by 2034, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said on Sunday.
To achieve the goal, the government has launched an initiative to formulate a comprehensive Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), which will serve as a roadmap for developing the country's aviation sector and positioning Bangladesh as one of South Asia's leading aviation hubs by 2034, she added.
As part of the initiative, steps have already been taken to reopen several closed airports across the country, the minister made the remarks while inaugurating a workshop titled "Civil Aviation Master Planning Overview" at a hotel in the capital.
She stressed the need for substantial upgrades to the civil aviation sector, including the development of skilled manpower, technological modernisation and infrastructure expansion.
Afroza Khanam also announced that the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is expected to be opened to passengers later this year.
She said Cox's Bazar Airport would be upgraded into an international airport, while efforts are underway to reactivate seven currently unused airports nationwide.
The keynote paper was presented by Mohammed Al Amiri, an expert from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), who highlighted global experiences in aviation master planning, the planning process, its strategic significance and the prospects for developing an effective national master plan for Bangladesh.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the event as special guest, while Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar was also present.
The workshop was chaired by Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).
According to CAAB, the workshop marked the formal launch of the country's first comprehensive Civil Aviation Master Plan. It was organised with support from ICAO and the Civil Aviation Academy Bangladesh.
Speakers said the master plan would serve as a long-term national roadmap for the aviation sector, outlining development goals, priorities and strategic directions for the next 20 to 30 years and beyond.
The plan will cover airport infrastructure development, modernisation of air navigation services, expansion of the aviation industry, human resource development, enhancement of safety and security systems, environmental sustainability and technological upgrades in line with international standards.
Bangladesh currently lacks an integrated national civil aviation master plan. Against this backdrop, CAAB has undertaken the initiative to prepare the document to guide the sector's long-term development.
The master plan is expected to be completed within the next one to one-and-a-half years.
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