'Bagerhat airport to boost southwest economy'
Once the airport is operational, the facility will bring unprecedented momentum to the economic activities of Mongla Port, the Sundarbans and the entire southwest region
ATT Desk Report 
State Minister for Forests, Environment and Climate Change Dr Shaikh Faridul Islam has said the construction of Khan Jahan Ali Airport is crucial for improving connectivity in the southwest region and expanding trade, commerce and tourism.
"Once the airport is operational, it will bring unprecedented momentum to the economic activities of Mongla Port, the Sundarbans and the entire southwest region," he said, reports the state news agency BSS.
He made the remarks while visiting the airport site at Foila in Bagerhat on Saturday afternoon.
He added that the government is committed to resuming construction work as soon as possible to ensure international standards and modern facilities.
He said the previous government had neglected the project and deprived the people of the region out of political vindictiveness because it had been initiated by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
He said there had been fruitful discussions with Chinese investors on the project and that they had shown keen interest in participating.
Bagerhat Zila Parishad Administrator Barrister Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain, KDA Chief Engineer Kazi Sabirul Alam, Rampal upazila BNP President Alhaj Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Tuhin, Mongla upazila BNP President Md Mannan Hawlader, and local BNP leaders, along with representatives of affiliated organisations, were present during the inspection.
