Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said Bangladesh will go to the moon as well.
Highlighting advancements in neighbouring countries, she said: "If they can reach the moon, why should we lag behind? In the future, Bangladesh will also make its journey to the moon. We aim to foster skilled and smart manpower in the nation for that purpose.”
The premier made these remarks while addressing a program marking the soft opening of Terminal 3 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Noting that the Awami League government initiated modernization efforts in the country's airports, the premier said her government plans to connect districts by air.
“One might travel from Jessore to Syedpur, from Syedpur to Chittagong, or from Jessore to Cox's Bazar and vice versa via air. Our vision is to make Bangladesh an international aviation hub in the coming years," she envisioned.
The premier underscored the importance of transportation for business, trade, and economic growth.
"Alongside road and rail, airways are becoming increasingly vital in the modern era, especially when it comes to international connections. Air travel plays a pivotal role in this regard, and we give it the importance it deserves," she remarked.
Reflecting on the past, the prime minister recalled: "When I came into office in 1996, our airports lacked boarding bridges and parking bays, among other facilities.”
“We took initiatives to upgrade our airports. We built international airports in Chittagong and Sylhet and initiated development projects for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport,” she said.
“The journey of airport development began from 1996 to 2001. I urge everyone to see the development progress before and after 1996," she added.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Masahiro Komura and Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Md Mokammel Hossain also spoke at the program.
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mafidur Rahman delivered the welcome address.
The premier was received by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali on her arrival at the terminal
A group of tiny tots welcomed her with traditional dance and Bangla songs.
The prime minister took pictures with them.
Later, she visited different parts of the third terminal where the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mafidur Rahman briefed her about various activities of the third terminal.
She took part in a dress rehearsal of passing the immigration through checking her luggage and she was given a boarding pass later.
A documentary on the third terminal was also screened at the program.
Later, the prime minister witnessed a colourful thematic dance.
