New minister pledges fresh push for aviation, tourism sectors

Dhaka: Newly appointed Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has pledged to accelerate the ministry’s work through stronger coordination, innovative initiatives, and a new leadership approach.

Millat joined the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Bangladesh Secretariat on August 23. Ministry officials and employees welcomed him with flowers.

Later, he attended a meeting with officials from the ministry and its subordinate agencies, where he outlined his priorities.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for appointing him to the ministry, Millat said changes in leadership are a normal process and that he wants to build a team to move the ministry’s activities forward.

“As part of making our work more effective, I want to work from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh or Biman Bangladesh Airlines one day a week,” he said.

He identified eliminating coordination gaps between the ministry and its agencies as his first priority.

The minister also urged officials to move beyond “conventional bureaucracy” and adopt innovative approaches to speed up the ministry’s work.

“There are rewards for good work as well as measures for poor performance,” he said.

Responding to questions from journalists, Millat said the government is working to hold a soft opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Dec 16.

“Steps are being taken to sign an agreement with a Japanese company in September,” he said, without providing further details.

He also said the government is working to launch Dhaka-New York flights next year.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is also expected to add 10 leased aircraft to its fleet soon, he said.

Plans for Ishwardi, Jashore, and Cox’s Bazar airports

Regarding Ishwardi Airport, the minister said the government is considering launching flights soon to facilitate the transportation of radioactive materials related to the nuclear power plant in Pabna.

He said discussions have also been held with US-Bangla Airlines to increase flights at Jashore Airport, where the number of commercial flights has declined.

A feasibility study is underway for the construction of Bogura Airport, he added.

The minister also expressed hope that Cox’s Bazar International Airport will become operational in October.

At the end of the meeting, Millat thanked the officials and employees for their cooperation.