Int’l airport, pilot academy in the offing in Bogura
Ministers inspect airport site as Bangladesh pushes for aviation expansion in the country's northern region
ATT Correspondent
The government has announced plans to turn Bogura into one of Bangladesh’s major aviation hubs through a large-scale airport expansion project aimed at improving connectivity, trade and aviation infrastructure in the northern region.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam made the announcement on Thursday during an inspection of Bogura Airport alongside State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat and State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam.
The ministers travelled to the airport by a special helicopter operated by the Bangladesh Air Force as part of the government’s initiative to revive and expand the long-stalled aviation facility.
Speaking during the visit, the aviation minister said the government is moving ahead with the project under the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
“Bogura will be developed into one of the country’s leading aviation hubs by utilising the vast potential of the northern region,” Afroza Khanam said, adding that the large-scale aviation development initiative was starting from Bogura because of its strategic importance.
State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government plans to build an international-standard airport with a 10,500-foot runway capable of handling larger aircraft and expanded commercial operations.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah Alam, Chief of Bangladesh Air Force Hasan Mahmood Khan and senior officials from the ministry and aviation authorities pose for a photo during a visit to Bogura on Thursday. Photo: Ministry
He said cargo facilities would also be developed to support the transportation of agricultural products, industrial goods and export-oriented items from northern Bangladesh.
Officials said the wider expansion plan also includes establishing a pilot training academy alongside the airport to strengthen the country’s aviation workforce and create opportunities for future pilots.
The initiative is expected to open a new chapter in regional connectivity, trade and investment by improving direct air links between northern districts and the rest of the country.
Among those present during the inspection were Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhtar, and senior officials from the ministry and aviation authorities.
Officials said the government sees the Bogura aviation project as a strategic infrastructure investment that could significantly boost economic activity in the northern region while supporting future passenger, cargo and aviation training operations.
