Thakurgaon: As per Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's election promise, flight operations at Thakurgaon Airport will commence within the next two years, and necessary work has already begun. LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, made this announcement at a reception organized by the district BNP at the abandoned Thakurgaon Airport after conducting an inspection this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the reopening will require approximately two years due to the need for runway renovation, construction of a boundary wall, and infrastructural development work. A full team from the ministry visited the site today. The airport, established in 1940 during World War II on 550 acres of land in the Shibganj-Madarganj area, 8 kilometers southwest of the district town, was damaged in an attack by the Indian Air Force during the Indo-Pak war in 1965. It underwent renovation in 1977 and operated commercial flights for a few years but has remained abandoned due to passenger shortages.
Speaking at the reception, Fakhrul noted that the promises made by Tarique Rahman in Thakurgaon have been implemented within just three months. Highlighting the government's measures, he mentioned the appointment of the first vice-chancellor for Thakurgaon University, ongoing work on establishing a medical college, and the designation of Bhulli and Ruhiya of Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila as upazilas. He emphasized that the district is moving towards development.
Turning to politics, Fakhrul, who also serves as BNP secretary general, remarked that Jamaat will never come to power in this country due to their betrayal in 1971. He criticized Jamaat for spreading falsehoods in the last election, asserting that politics does not thrive on religion and lies, and the people of the country will never forgive them. He accused Jamaat of attempting to mislead the public.
Afroza Khanam expressed hope that the airport would be operational within the next two years, as promised by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman before the election. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, Thakurgaon-3 constituency lawmaker Md. Zahidur Rahman, newly appointed first Vice Chancellor of Thakurgaon University Prof Israfil Shaheen, District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, General Secretary Poygam Ali, and local administration officials were present at the event.