Staff Correspondent 

Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam, MP on Sunday  emphasized that a comprehensive and well-defined aviation master plan is an essential prerequisite for transforming Bangladesh into a major regional aviation hub.

She made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of a day-long workshop titled "Civil Aviation Master Planning Overview" as the chief guest. Organized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the workshop commenced at 10:00 AM at the Inter Continental Dhaka to sketch out a long-term, sustainable, and integrated development blueprint for the country's civil aviation sector. 

The event focused on future growth, infrastructural expansion, and aligning domestic aviation frameworks with international standards.

"Aviation is no longer merely a medium for transporting passengers and cargo; it has established itself as a primary driver of economic growth, trade expansion, tourism, connectivity, job creation, and international cooperation," the minister said. She added that a modern, efficient, and sustainable aviation system is foundational to national development, stressing that the new master plan must explicitly reflect the future trajectory and positioning of the country's aviation industry.

Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, highlighted the government's successful track record in executing key developmental projects in the sector.

"We are actively working with the objective of officially launching the operations of the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by the end of this year," the state minister announced.

 He further noted that preparations to upgrade Cox's Bazar Airport into a full-fledged international airport are in their final stages. 

Fahmida Akhter, ndc, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, attended the workshop as the Guest of Honor. The inaugural session was presided over by CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddique, BSP, GUP, ndc, afwc, acsc, psc.