Later, the minister addressed a meeting with officials of the ministry and its affiliated departments and agencies.

M. Rashiduzzaman Millat expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for assigning him the responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. He pledged to work as a team under the new leadership to advance the ministry’s activities.

“The first task will be to eliminate the lack of coordination between the ministry and its affiliated agencies,” the minister said. He also announced plans to work from the Civil Aviation Authority or Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ offices one day within every five working days to facilitate coordination and improve work efficiency.

Addressing officials, he said there would be a system of rewards for good performance and reprimands for poor performance. He stressed the need to move beyond the conventional bureaucratic structure and work with innovative plans to make the ministry’s activities more dynamic.

Responding to questions from journalists, the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister said preparations were underway for the soft opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 16. The government is also taking initiatives to sign an agreement with a Japanese company in September.

He also expressed hope that Dhaka-New York flights would be launched next year and that 10 leased aircraft would soon be added to the fleet of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

Regarding Ishwardi Airport, the minister said authorities were considering launching flights there soon to facilitate the transportation of radioactive materials for the nuclear power plant in Pabna. He added that discussions were underway with US-Bangla Airlines to launch new flights from Jashore Airport following a decline in commercial flights.

He further said a feasibility study was underway for the construction of Bogura Airport. The minister also expressed optimism about launching Cox’s Bazar International Airport in October next year.