Bangladesh is stepping up efforts to position itself as a regional aviation hub linking South Asia with the rest of the world, as the government seeks to attract international airlines, financiers and strategic investors to support the sector’s next phase of growth.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita outlined the strategy on Monday while addressing an event titled “Saudia and HSBC: Powering Global Connectivity—Celebrating Saudia’s Journey in Bangladesh” at the Sheraton Dhaka in Banani.
She said the government is investing in modern airport infrastructure, improving passenger services and expanding international air connectivity to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in regional aviation.
“Our goal is to establish Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub connecting South Asia with the wider world,” she said, inviting international airlines, financial institutions and strategic investors to participate in the country’s aviation expansion.
The push comes as Bangladesh seeks to leverage growing passenger traffic and its strategic location to deepen connectivity with global markets while supporting trade, tourism and investment.
Rita also praised Saudia for its 46 years of operations in Bangladesh, saying the airline has connected millions of passengers, facilitated overseas travel for Bangladeshi workers and provided reliable services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, strengthening ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
The programme was attended by Tanvir Ghani, special assistant to the prime minister on investment and capital markets, Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Bangladesh, and senior officials from Saudia, HSBC and other organisations.
Speakers at the event said stronger aviation links could further boost trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, while creating new opportunities for broader international connectivity.
