Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan said the country's tourism and aviation industry has experienced continuous progress in the last 15 years.

“During this time, our skills and capabilities have increased. The cooperation of the media is important to take this trend of development forward,” he said.

He said this during a meeting with the Executive Committee of Aviation and Tourism Journalist Forum at the conference room of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, at the Secretariat.

“With the sincere interest of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, the fleet of Biman Bangladesh Airlines has been rearranged. New routes have been introduced and Dhaka-Rome flights will be launched on March 26. It is also being considered to buy new aircraft to launch more routes later. Besides, the country's private airlines are also doing well,” said the minister.

“Work is underway to modernize all the airports of the country. The modern third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will be opened in October this year. New radars have been installed. As a result, revenue collection from aircraft operating through our airspace has increased as the entire airspace of the country has come under surveillance,” he added.

Faruk Khan said the number of domestic tourists has already increased due to various activities taken by the government and the work of private entrepreneurs. “Now we are working to increase foreign tourists. A tourism master plan has already been formulated for the planned development of tourism in the country. Efforts are being made to attract foreign investment in the tourism industry. We are giving importance to local and foreign joint investment to renovate various old tourist establishments and increase their coverage.”

"We are working so that the role of tourism and aviation industry in Bangladesh's economy can be further increased," he said. “We are emphasizing on creating skilled manpower through training. We want our media friends to highlight the potential of the country's tourism and aviation industry as our partners. We will provide maximum cooperation to them in fulfilling their professional responsibilities.”

Tourism Secretary Md Mokammel Hossain, President of Aviation and Tourism Journalist Forum Tanjim Anwar, General Secretary Baten Biplob as well as other members of the executive committee, were present at the meeting.