Newly-appointed Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat today assumed office at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) - Newly-appointed Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and 
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat today assumed office at the Ministry of 
Civil Aviation and Tourism, pledging transparency, good governance and 
coordinated steps to modernise Bangladesh's aviation sector.

The two ministers formally joined the ministry at the Secretariat, where a 
reception was organised at its conference room. 

Officials and employees of the ministry and its subordinate agencies attended 
the programme and welcomed the new leadership.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said the government is 
committed to working in close coordination with ministry officials to ensure 
dynamic and effective service delivery in the public interest.

"We have come to cooperate with you. At the same time, we expect your sincere 
cooperation. Through collective efforts, we want to make the activities of 
this ministry dynamic and effective in the public interest," she added.

The minister laid emphasis on establishing good governance, transparency and 
accountability in all activities of the ministry and its affiliated 
organisations.

In his remarks, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat reiterated the pledges 
outlined in the new government's election manifesto, particularly 
safeguarding the interests of expatriates and enforcing a strict "zero 
tolerance" policy against corruption.

He stressed the need for swift and coordinated measures to transform the 
country's airports into modern and profitable facilities, underscoring the 
aviation sector's strategic importance to national development.

At the outset of the programme, Secretary of the Ministry Nasreen Jahan made 
a PowerPoint presentation detailing the ministry's ongoing activities, 
development projects and future action plans.

The newly-appointed minister and state minister sought the sincere 
cooperation of all stakeholders to accelerate the ministry's programmes and 
enhance the overall performance of the civil aviation and tourism sector.