Photo: Collected

SANGSAD BHABAN, June 11, 2026 (BSS) - The proposed budget today set a target to raise the tourism sector's contribution expecting it to provide 6 to 7 percent to country's gross domestic product (GDP) under a series of suggested initiatives.     
   
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced the target unveiling the national budget expressing optimism that ongoing and planned developments in the civil aviation and tourism sectors would accelerate the growth of the tourism industry.
   
He proposed allocation of Tk 1,884 crore for the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry in 2026-27 fiscal while revised allocation for the outgoing fiscal was Tk 1,300 crore against the original allocation of Tk 2,455 crore.
   
Chowdhury said integrated development programmes were being implemented in the civil aviation sector to build a modern, efficient and globally competitive aviation industry, which would serve as a catalyst for tourism expansion and support the target.
   
He said an investment roadmap was being prepared to attract more domestic and foreign tourists and generate substantial employment opportunities in the sector.  
   
The minister said the expansion of terminal facilities at Jashore and Saidpur airports, full-scale operation of the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, enhancement of runway capacity at Sylhet and Chattogram airports and completion of development works at Cox's Bazar Airport would significantly improve airport capacity and passenger services.
   
He said Biman Bangladesh Airlines final agreement with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to procure 14 modern aircraft at an estimated cost of US$3.7 billion (Tk 45,408 crore) would expand the national flag carrier’s fleet, strengthen its international connectivity and increase passenger and cargo transportation capacity.
   
The initiative, he said, would help position Bangladesh more competitively in the global aviation market.
   
The minister said the government is also modernising airport passenger services, strengthening cargo management systems, improving aviation safety standards and expanding digital services to develop a more efficient and competitive aviation sector.
   
Looking ahead, he announced plans to establish a national air connectivity grid, develop new international gateways and transform Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet into integrated passenger and logistics hubs.
    
Rajshahi, Cox's Bazar, Jashore and Saidpur airports would also be developed as international gateways, while an integrated digital logistics platform would be introduced to facilitate trade and transportation, he said.
   
He said the government would also focus on ensuring hassle-free passenger services, improving facilities for expatriate workers, promoting renewable energy and developing skilled human resources to build a sustainable and inclusive aviation system.
   
The finance minister expressed confidence that the combined initiatives would boost private investment, create employment opportunities and contribute to higher economic growth.