He made the call at a meeting with a delegation led by Turkish Ambassador Ramis Şen at the ministry on Wednesday. The meeting discussed various issues on expanding air connectivity, tourism, investment and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

Currently, Turkish Airlines operates seven flights a week on the Dhaka-Istanbul route. Welcoming Turkey's interest in operating three additional flights, the minister said that once the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport opens, opportunities for increasing flights will expand further.

He also called for considering the expansion of direct air connectivity with Turkey from Chattogram and Sylhet international airports as well. The minister said this would make international travel easier, especially for expatriates from Sylhet and Chattogram.

Highlighting Bangladesh's initiative to develop 1,498 tourist spots under public-private partnership (PPP), he called on Turkish investors to invest in this sector.

The meeting also discussed simplifying Turkey's visa process for Bangladeshi citizens. Both sides expressed interest in further strengthening air connectivity, tourism, investment and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.