Diplomatic Desk:
The government is working to develop Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub connecting South Asia with other parts of the world, said Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, MP.
She said this while speaking as the chief guest at an event titled “Saudia and HSBC: Powering Global Connectivity—Celebrating Saudia’s Journey in Bangladesh” organized at Hotel Sheraton in Banani, the capital, on Monday (July 27, 2026) at 6 pm.
Speaking as the chief guest, the minister said, “Bangladesh is entering a new era in aviation advancement. Under the visionary leadership of the current government, Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, we are building modern airport infrastructure, improving the quality of passenger services and expanding Bangladesh’s air connectivity with the outside world.
He further said, “Our goal is to establish Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub, which will connect South Asia to the wider world. We warmly welcome international airlines, financial institutions and strategic investors in this advancement.”
Praising Saudia’s long-standing activities in Bangladesh, the minister said, “Saudia has been proudly serving Bangladesh as a foreign airline for 46 years. The company has connected millions of passengers, facilitated international travel for workers and ensured safe and reliable travel for pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. Thus, Saudia has established itself not only as an airline but also as an important bridge in the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
The event was attended by Tanvir Ghani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (Investment and Capital Markets), Dr. Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, senior officials of Saudia, HSBC Bank and various institutions.
The speakers at the event emphasized the need to further strengthen air connectivity, trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. The important role of the aviation sector in expanding global connectivity and the prospects for future cooperation were also discussed.
