Photo: Collected

   
SANGSAD BHABAN, June 11, 2026 (BSS) – The proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal intended to develop Rajshahi, Cox's Bazar, Jashore and Saidpur airports as international gateways and introduce an integrated digital logistics platform to boost trade, transportation and regional connectivity.

   
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced the plans to develop the three new international aviation gateways while Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital, Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet are currently designated as intyernational gateways.

  
Chowdhury simultaneously announced plans to establish a national air connectivity grid and transform Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet into integrated passenger and logistics hubs.

   
Unveiling the national budget in the Jatiya Sangsad, the minister said the initiatives were part of a broader strategy to transform Bangladesh into a modern regional aviation hub and strengthen the country's position in global trade and transportation networks.

   
He said northwestern Rajshahi and Saidpur airports in northwestern region, Cox's Bazar airport in the southeast and Jashore airport in western Bangladesh would be upgraded as international gateways to enhance regional and international air connectivity and support economic activities across the country.

   
Chowdhury said an integrated digital logistics platform would also be introduced to facilitate the seamless movement of goods, strengthen supply chains and improve trade efficiency.

   
The finance minister said the government was implementing a series of infrastructure development projects to expand of terminal facilities at Jashore and Saidpur airports, full-scale operation of the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and enhance runway capacity at Sylhet and Chattogram airports.

   
He said development works at Cox's Bazar Airport were nearing completion, improving further its capacity and passenger services.

   
The minister said the government is simultaneously modernising airport passenger services, strengthening cargo management systems, improving aviation safety standards and expanding digital services to develop a safer, more efficient and competitive aviation sector.

   
He said efforts are also underway to ensure hassle-free passenger services, improve facilities for expatriate workers, promote the use of renewable energy and develop skilled human resources to build a sustainable and inclusive aviation system.

   
Chowdhury said as part of the broader tourism development strategy, the government was preparing an investment roadmap to attract more tourists and generate substantial employment opportunities in the sector.

  
The finance minister expressed optimism that the planned initiatives would increase private investment, create jobs and accelerate economic growth while helping raise tourism's contribution to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) to between six and seven percent.