United News of Bangladesh

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on Thursday underscored the need for establishing dedicated health centres at major sea beaches to help save lives of tourists in case of emergency. She made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), which operates the Sea-Safe Lifeguard Service in Cox’s Bazar, and donor agency Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) at the ministry. The minister said amendment to the relevant policies is crucial to ensuring safety of tourists’ lives. She also instructed the deputy commissioners of Cox’s Bazar and Patuakhali to send proposals to the ministry as soon as possible to construct health centres at the sea beaches there. State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said initiatives will be taken to increase the number of Tourist Police personnel deployed for tourists’ safety. He also emphasised increasing the number of lifeguard workers and said corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds will initially be collected to continue the lifeguard service. Permanent infrastructure should also be developed considering future needs, the state minister added. Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar and senior officials of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation and the ministry were also present at the meeting. UK-based donor agency RNLI has been providing financial support for CIPRB for operating lifeguard services at Cox’s Bazar sea beach since 2012.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on Thursday said Bogura will be transformed into one of the country’s major aviation hubs by utilising the vast potential of the northern region. The minister made the remarks while vising the Bogura airport. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat and State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam were present during the visit. State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government has taken plans to construct an international-standard airport in Bogura along with a 10,500-foot runway to facilitate the landing of both domestic and international aircraft. The government has also undertaken initiatives to expand Bogura Airport by establishing a pilot training academy and cargo facilities with a view to opening new opportunities in communication, trade and the aviation sector in the northern region.    

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on Wednesday told the Parliament that the upgradation of Cox’s Bazar Airport into an international airport will take a few more months. “The upgradation of Cox’s Bazar Airport into an international airport will take several more months,” she said while replying to a scripted question from ruling party lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury (Cox’s Bazar-4) in the House. The Minister said that several key steps have already been taken to facilitate the commencement of international flights from the airport. To this end, certification has been obtained from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) after ensuring compliance with international rules, regulations, and operational suitability. The runway of Cox’s Bazar Airport has been extended from 9,000 feet to 10,700 feet towards the sea to ensure safe landing and takeoff of large aircrafts at full load, along with enhancing overall operational capacity. A new international terminal building with a 17,955-square metres floor area has been constructed to support international flight operations. The terminal, equipped with all necessary operational facilities, is currently undergoing testing and commissioning, she said.