Bangladesh Launches First-Ever Civil Aviation Master Plan Initiative

Bangladesh has formally launched the process of preparing its first-ever integrated Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), a long-term roadmap aimed at guiding the country's aviation sector development over the next 20 to 30 years and beyond.

The initiative was unveiled on Sunday through a workshop titled "Civil Aviation Master Planning Overview", jointly organized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and Civil Aviation Academy, Bangladesh, at a hotel in Dhaka.

Officials said the master plan will set strategic priorities and development goals for Bangladesh's aviation sector, covering airport infrastructure expansion, air navigation modernization, aviation industry growth, human resource development, safety and security enhancement, technology adoption and compliance with international standards.

According to CAAB, Bangladesh currently does not have a comprehensive national Civil Aviation Master Plan. The authority has therefore undertaken the initiative to formulate a unified long-term development framework for the sector, with completion expected within the next one and a half years.

The project is being implemented under the guidance of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with technical support from ICAO experts. The workshop marked the formal commencement of the planning process, which CAAB described as a historic step for the country's aviation industry.

Speaking at the event, ICAO aviation expert Mohamed El Amiri highlighted global best practices in civil aviation master planning and discussed the potential and requirements for developing an effective national aviation roadmap for Bangladesh.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam inaugurated the workshop as chief guest. State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended as special guest, while Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar was present as guest of honor.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq presided over the event. The opening remarks were delivered by CAAB Member (Operations and Planning) Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan.

The workshop was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Air Force, Bangladesh Navy, Planning Ministry, Finance Ministry, Ministry of Public Administration, airline executives, aviation experts and other stakeholders.