Bangladesh has moved to strengthen its aviation sector by signing an agreement with Boeing to acquire 14 new aircraft, aiming to upgrade its fleet to meet international standards, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said on Monday.
He disclosed the development while speaking to reporters after the first session of the second day of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.
He said that although Bangladesh’s airlines operate on international routes, the current fleet does not yet fully meet global standards. The purchase of Boeing aircraft is part of a broader plan to improve service quality and operational efficiency. In addition to the acquisition, the government also intends to lease more aircraft to expand capacity.
The state minister further noted that efforts are underway to revive several unused airports across the country to strengthen domestic connectivity. These initiatives are expected to improve access to key regions and support overall economic activity.
Highlighting the role of aviation in tourism, he pointed to major destinations such as Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata, stressing the need for coordinated development to boost the sector.
Rashiduzzaman Millat also expressed hope that the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will be inaugurated on 16 December this year, marking a significant step forward for the country’s aviation infrastructure.
