Dhaka: The Council of Advisers has approved the drafts of the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, and the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, with the aim of ensuring transparency, accountability, and governance within the aviation and travel sectors. Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sk Bashir announced this development during a press briefing at the Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ordinances target the significant portion of passengers in Bangladesh's air transport sector, which includes over 80 percent migrant workers. These legal frameworks are designed to introduce discipline, financial transparency, and accountability in the aviation and travel businesses. The focus is on fair ticket pricing, protection of migrant workers' rights, and adherence to international standards in tourism.
The Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, incorporates several reforms to the 2017 Act. Notably, the phrase "ensuring passenger service" has been added to the law's title and preamble, establishing a legal obligation to uphold passenger safety, comfort, and rights. The ordinance also introduces changes in the appointment of General Sales Agents (GSAs) and mandates the registration of various digital distribution systems to prevent ticket manipulation.
Environmental considerations have been addressed by empowering authorities to reduce carbon footprints and use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Additionally, the ordinance promotes the use of artificial intelligence and digital systems in enhancing the civil aviation sector's technological infrastructure. The ordinance is aligned with the Chicago Convention and ICAO annexes, aiming to boost Bangladesh's global aviation competitiveness.
The Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, aims to tackle illegal financial transactions and protect migrant workers by adding new grounds for cancellation or suspension of registration certificates. It introduces punishable offences for fraudulent practices and provides for strict penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The government is empowered to suspend travel agency registrations and impose travel bans on individuals involved in financial misconduct. These legislative measures are expected to establish governance, transparency, and accountability while promoting international compliance within the aviation and travel sectors.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasrin Jahan also addressed the briefing, emphasizing the importance of these legal reforms in safeguarding passenger rights and enhancing sectoral governance.