Desk Report:
Newly appointed Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP joined his ministry at 9 am today, Sunday (August 23, 2026). At this time, the officials and employees of the ministry welcomed the minister with floral greetings.
Then, Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat joined the view-exchange meeting organized with officials of the ministry and subordinate departments as the chief guest.
In his speech as the chief guest, the minister said, “My gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman. He has given me the responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism as a minister. Reshuffle is a natural process. Under the new leadership, we want to take the work of the ministry forward by forming a team.”
He said, “For the convenience of work, I want to work in Civil Aviation or Biman Bangladesh Airlines for one day in five working days. My first task will be to eliminate the lack of coordination between the ministry and the organizations under it.”
Addressing the officials present, the minister said that just as there is a system of rewards for good work, there is also a system of reprimand for bad work. To make the work of the ministry more dynamic, we have to work beyond conventional bureaucracy. We have to move forward with innovative plans.
In response to journalists’ questions, the minister said that work is being done on a plan to soft open the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 16. Steps are being taken to sign an agreement with a Japanese company next September. In addition, work is also underway to launch Dhaka-New York flights next year. He expressed hope that it will be possible to add 10 leased aircraft to the Biman fleet soon.
Regarding Ishwardi Airport, the minister said that plans are being made to launch flights soon to facilitate the transportation of radioactive materials for the nuclear power plant in Pabna.
Regarding the decrease in commercial flights at Jessore Airport, he said that discussions have been held with US-Bangla regarding the launch of flights. A feasibility study is underway for the construction of Bogra Airport.
The minister also expressed optimism about the launch of Cox’s Bazar International Airport by next October.
At the end of his speech, the minister expressed his gratitude and thanks to everyone present.
