Nepal ambassador calls for Saidpur Airport's int'l upgrading
Nepal envoy sheds light on the importance of regional connectivity
ATT Correspondent 
Bangladesh and Nepal have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in aviation and tourism during a high-level courtesy meeting in Dhaka on Sunday.
According to the press release of the ministry, Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, met with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening existing ties and expanding collaboration in key sectors, with particular focus on aviation and tourism.
Key areas of discussion
Ambassador Bhandari highlighted the strategic importance of upgrading Saidpur Airport in northern Bangladesh to international status, expressing Nepal’s interest in enhanced regional connectivity. The envoy noted that such an upgrade could facilitate smoother movement of travellers and goods between the two countries and the broader South Asian region.
Discussions also centred on rationalising airfares on the Dhaka-Kathmandu route to make air travel more affordable and accessible. Both sides agreed that competitive pricing would encourage greater tourist flow between the two nations, benefiting the hospitality and service sectors in both countries.
People-to-People connectivity
The two sides expressed optimism about working jointly to develop the tourism sector and deepening people-to-people connectivity. Bangladesh and Nepal share strong cultural and historical ties, and both governments recognise tourism as a vital driver of economic growth and mutual understanding.
Commitment to cooperation
Minister Afroza Khanam Rita assured Nepal of Bangladesh’s continued cooperation in advancing mutual interests in aviation and tourism. According to an official press release, both sides agreed to explore further avenues for collaboration, including joint promotional activities and capacity-building initiatives in the tourism sector.
The meeting reflects the growing momentum in Bangladesh-Nepal relations, with both nations eager to leverage their geographic proximity and shared heritage to boost tourism and strengthen regional connectivity.
