Dhaka: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam today announced the government's ambitious plan to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub, aiming to link South Asia with the global market. "Our goal is to establish Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub that will connect South Asia with the wider world," she stated while addressing an event titled "Saudia and HSBC: Powering Global Connectivity-Celebrating Saudia's Journey in Bangladesh" at a city hotel this evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Minister Afroza emphasized the strategic steps being taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to modernize the country's airport infrastructure, enhance passenger services, and expand international air connectivity. She extended an invitation to international airlines, financial institutions, and strategic investors to partake in this transformative journey.
Highlighting the longstanding operations of Saudia in Bangladesh, Afroza acknowledged the Saudi flag carrier's 46-year history of connecting millions of passengers and facilitating international travel for Bangladeshi workers. She lauded Saudia's crucial role in ensuring safe and reliable travel for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, noting, "Saudia has established itself not only as an airline but also as an important bridge of friendship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia."
The event was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Investment and Capital Market Affairs Tanvir Ghani, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya, and senior officials from Saudia, HSBC Bank, and various organizations. Speakers underscored the necessity of strengthening air connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people contacts between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, and explored the aviation sector's potential in enhancing global connectivity and future cooperation.