Noakhali airport proposal atop DC conference agenda
The four-day conference, set to begin on Sunday at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, will review 498 shortlisted proposals submitted by field-level administrators from across the country
ATT Correspondent 
A proposal to build an international-standard airport in Noakhali has emerged as a key item on the agenda of the upcoming Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) conference, reflecting a broader government push to expand aviation infrastructure and boost regional tourism.
The four-day conference, set to begin on Sunday at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, will review 498 shortlisted proposals submitted by field-level administrators from across the country, reports popular national daily Prothom Alo.
Among the proposals, the Noakhali airport plan is strategically important for improving connectivity in the country’s southern region and unlocking coastal tourism potential.
Officials say the proposed airport could open up new tourism corridors by linking coastal areas with major cities and international destinations. Improved air connectivity is also expected to support local businesses, facilitate faster travel and attract private investment in hospitality and related sectors.
The conference comes at a time when Bangladesh is actively positioning itself as a regional aviation hub, with ongoing developments such as the expansion of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and efforts to modernise the national carrier’s fleet.
Alongside the Noakhali airport proposal, DCs have recommended a wide range of development initiatives, including economic zones in Gazipur and new healthcare infrastructure in northern districts. However, aviation-related proposals are drawing particular attention due to their potential to drive long-term economic growth and tourism expansion.
Policymakers are expected to provide guidance on the feasibility, funding and implementation timeline of the proposed airport during the sessions, with a focus on aligning infrastructure development with national connectivity and tourism strategies.
The DC conference is considered an important platform where field-level administrative insights feed into national policy planning, making proposals such as the Noakhali airport a key indicator of future development priorities in Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors.
