Bangladesh plans to develop Cox’s Bazar, Jessore, Rajshahi and Saidpur as international gateways to expand global connectivity and trade, Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said Thursday.
He made the announcement in Parliament while presenting the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026–27.
In his budget speech, the finance minister said integrated development is under way in the civil aviation sector to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub. The government aims to position the country as one of South and Southeast Asia’s leading aviation hubs by 2034.
He said a national air connectivity grid will be established, while Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet international airports will be upgraded into full-fledged logistics and passenger hubs.
The government has signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase 14 modern aircraft, he said. Preparations are also underway to launch the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport soon. A Wi-Fi network covering about 94,000 square metres of the airport has already been expanded.
The finance minister said the government aims to raise tourism’s contribution to GDP to 6–7 percent. An investment roadmap is being prepared to attract tourists and generate employment, alongside efforts to modernise passenger services and cargo operations and expand international connectivity of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.