Bangladesh Launches Master Plan to Transform Aviation Sector into Regional Economic Hub

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The Bangladeshi government has launched an initiative to transform the nation into a regional economic hub by modernizing its civil aviation sector through a comprehensive, long-term master plan. Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khan highlighted the government’s commitment to advancing the industry through technological upgrades, infrastructure development, and the cultivation of a highly skilled workforce during a workshop titled “Civil Aviation Masterplan Overview,” held Sunday in Dhaka.

Organized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the workshop marked the formal inception of the country’s first-ever integrated Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP). This strategic roadmap is designed to guide the nation’s aviation trajectory over the next 20 to 30 years. The plan aims to modernize air navigation services, expand the aviation sector, ensure environmental sustainability, and bolster safety protocols to meet international standards.

Minister Khan underscored several key infrastructure milestones, noting that the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is scheduled to open to passengers later this year. Additionally, the government is moving forward with plans to upgrade Cox’s Bazar Airport to international status while working to reactivate seven currently dormant regional airports.

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International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) expert Mohamed El-Amiri presented the keynote address, sharing global best practices and strategic frameworks essential for developing a viable national aviation master plan. The session brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the armed forces, airline executives, and industry experts.

Currently, Bangladesh lacks a cohesive national aviation framework. The proposed master plan, developed in collaboration with the ICAO and the Civil Aviation Academy of Bangladesh, is expected to be finalized within the next 12 to 18 months. CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostofa Mahmud Siddique, who presided over the event, emphasized that this coordinated approach is vital for ensuring the long-term growth and competitiveness of Bangladesh’s aviation industry.