State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat on Wednesday said the government is working to develop Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He said the government is preparing an integrated aviation master plan to ensure the sustainable, modern and planned development of the country's civil aviation sector over the coming decades.
The state minister made the remarks while addressing an event titled "Beyond with Boeing: Powering the Next Chapter of Aviation" as the chief guest at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka.
Millat said US-Bangla Airlines has emerged as one of the country's leading aviation companies after beginning its journey as a domestic carrier.
He also said the government is pursuing investment-friendly policies to support private sector expansion, which would attract more investment to Bangladesh's aviation industry and create new growth opportunities.
Meanwhile, US-Bangla Airlines is adding 21 Boeing aircraft to its fleet through a lease programme worth nearly $1.5 billion, marking one of the largest fleet expansion initiatives in Bangladesh's private aviation sector.
The expansion will include 15 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and six Boeing 737-800s, which will be inducted into the airline's fleet in phases by 2027.
Prime Minister's Adviser on Civil Aviation and Tourism Humayun Kabir, National Parliament Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, and senior officials from Boeing and US-Bangla Airlines attended the event.