Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said the government is working to establish Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub linking South Asia with the wider world through improved airport infrastructure and expanded international air connectivity.

Speaking as the chief guest at the "Saudia and HSBC: Powering Global Connectivity – Celebrating Saudia's Journey in Bangladesh" event at a hotel in the capital yesterday (28 July), she said Bangladesh is entering a new era in aviation under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

"We are building modern airport infrastructure, improving passenger services and expanding Bangladesh's air connectivity with the rest of the world," she said.

"Our goal is to establish Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub that will connect South Asia with the wider world. In this journey, we warmly welcome international airlines, financial institutions and strategic investors."

Highlighting Saudia's long presence in Bangladesh, the minister said the Saudi flag carrier has been operating in the country for 46 years, connecting large numbers of passengers, facilitating overseas travel for Bangladeshi workers and ensuring safe and reliable transportation for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

"Saudia has established itself not only as an airline, but also as an important bridge of friendship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia," she said.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Investment and Capital Market Affairs Tanvir Ghani, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya, and senior officials from Saudia, HSBC Bank and other organisations attended the event.

Speakers stressed the need to further strengthen air connectivity, trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. They also discussed the aviation sector's growing role in expanding global connectivity and the prospects for future cooperation.