India's West Bengal Tourism Minister Goutam Deb suggested developing direct air connectivity between Bagdogra, Dhaka and Guwahati.
He said the launching of flights in the Bagdogra-Dhaka-Guwahati route will help both countries achieve growth in tourism sector.
Gautam Deb on Sunday attended the inauguration of Biman Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair in Dhaka. He talked to the Dhaka Tribune on the sidelines of the event.Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (Toab) has organised the three-day fair.
“Many students from Darjeeling and Kalimpong of India study in Bangladesh. They have to take long bus or train journey as there are no direct flight operations between Dhaka and those parts of India,” Gautam Deb said.
“If we can introduce flights in this route, not only students but many tourists will visit Bangladesh because of easy connectivity,” he said. “Both countries will benefit from this.”
West Bengal tourism minister said Bangladesh was also planning to connect Dhaka and Guwahati in air route.
“I have already discussed about the direct connectivity in Bagdogra-Dhaka-Guwahati route with Bangladesh Tourism minister Rashed Khan Menon. We hope, we would be able to introduce the connectivity soon,” said West Bengal Tourism Minister.
Bagdogra airport is an international airport located about 16km west of the city of Siliguri, 48 km from Jalpaiguri and 65km from Darjeeling.
Every year thousands of tourists visit Kalimpong, Darjeeling and other parts of West Bengal using this airport.
Air traffic at Bagdogra crossed 1m for the first time growing at 43.6% in the year 2014-15.
Bangladesh Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon put emphasis on working together to boost tourism sector of both countries.
“Bangladesh and India will benefit if we can work together to do better in tourism like centring the world's largest mangrove forest Sundarbans.”
“Tourism will be the main tool of economic growth in Bangladesh. If we couldn't integrate tourism with poverty reduction and development, expected development will not be possible,” said Menon.
He said Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) initiative, a sub-regional road connectivity in South Asia, can play an important role to boost tourism. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already discussed the issues during her trip to Bhutan, Menon said.
The fair is being held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. It will remain open for the visitors from 10am to 8pm every day.
Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), airlines, tour operators, hotels, resorts, financial institutions and others working in the travel and tourism sector are showcasing their products and services at 168 stalls and pavilions.
Tour operators from Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, India and Singapore are participating in the fair.
Tourism Secretary SM Ghulam Farooque, Tourism Board CEO Dr Nasir Uddin, Parjatan Corporation Chairman Dr Aparup Chowdhury, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and CEO Mosaddique Ahmed also spoke at the event.
Toab President Toufiq Uddin Ahmed presided over the inaugural ceremony.
A total of 50 exhibitors from 13 countries are participating in the fair.
The participating organisations have offered attractive packages and discounts for the visitors during the three-day fair.
The entry fee is Tk30 a person.
The US-Bangla airlines has announced a 15% discounts in all domestic routes and Dhaka-Kolkata-Dhaka route.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
