Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Minister Afroza Khanam spoke at Civil Aviation Master Planning workshop held in a Dhaka hotel. Photo : PID

DHAKA, June 21, 2026 (BSS) - Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam today said aviation is no longer merely a means of transporting passengers and cargo; it is one of the key drivers of economic growth, trade expansion, tourism development, employment generation and enhanced international connectivity.

She said a modern, efficient and sustainable aviation system serves as a vital foundation for national development.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a workshop titled "Civil Aviation Master Planning Overview" as the chief guest at a hotel in the capital.

The workshop was organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) as part of an initiative to formulate a national master plan aimed at the long-term, sustainable and integrated development of the country's civil aviation sector.

The event, jointly organised by CAAB and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), discussed various issues related to the future development of the country's aviation sector, infrastructure expansion, modernisation of airport management, and the formulation of an integrated master plan aligned with international standards.

State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the programme as a special guest.

Speaking as the special guest, Millat said the government has already implemented several important projects for the development of the civil aviation sector.

He said work is progressing rapidly with the aim of formally inaugurating the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by the end of the current year.

He also said initiatives have been taken to modernise and make fully operational four domestic airports in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The state minister said preparations are also nearly complete to operate Cox's Bazar Airport as an international airport.

The workshop was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Chairman of CAAB, and representatives of relevant ministries, agencies, airport authorities, aviation sector experts and international partner.