The United Kingdom (UK) has expressed its keen interest in collaborating with Bangladesh to develop the country's aviation industry.

This was conveyed by UK High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke during a meeting with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Mohammad Faruk Khan at his residence on Wednesday.

The High Commissioner said that the UK has a long-standing partnership with Bangladesh's aviation industry. She mentioned that the two countries have previously worked together in various sectors of the aviation industry, including the development of airport security systems.

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Cooke said the UK is now eager to expand cooperation in a wider range of potential new areas, including the development of technical skills in Bangladesh's aviation industry, the training of skilled personnel, and the further enhancement of security measures. The UK is committed to playing a supportive role in transforming Bangladesh into an aviation hub.

In response, the minister welcomed the UK's friendly cooperation in successfully transforming Bangladesh into an aviation hub. He expressed his delight at the prospect of the two countries working together to develop the aviation industry. He added that the scope for collaboration between the two countries in various areas of the aviation industry will be explored.

Faruk Khan further stated that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is working to transform Bangladesh into a major aviation hub. He mentioned that extensive development work has been carried out at all airports in the country, including the construction of a third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and that further development work is underway.

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He also mentioned that the government is working to transform Syedpur Airport into a regional hub. Once the development work at Saidpur Airport is completed, it will play a game-changing role in regional connectivity, economy, and trade between Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Bhutan.