Kamrul Hasan: As part of ongoing efforts to expand international partnerships surrounding Bangladesh’s rapidly growing aviation and tourism sectors, a significant courtesy meeting was held between the Minister and the State Minister of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh.

The meeting took place on Sunday (April 12) at 11:30 AM at the Minister’s office in the ministry. It is being viewed as a positive initiative that could add a new dimension to bilateral relations between the two countries. Present at the meeting were the Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Afroz Khanam, MP, and the State Minister, M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP.
During the meeting, the Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. Bin Abiyah, expressed optimism about strengthening mutual cooperation between the two nations.
Discussions highlighted that Bangladesh has created new opportunities for investment and partnership, driven by the current government`s focus on infrastructure development, modernization of communication systems, and the growth of the tourism industry. In particular, the upcoming launch of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is drawing increased interest from international airlines, which could make Bangladesh’s airspace more competitive.

The meeting also emphasized the interest of Saudi Arabia’s new airline, Riyadh Air, in establishing a station and operating flights in Bangladesh. If realized, this would create new opportunities for passenger transportation on the Bangladesh–Saudi Arabia route, especially benefiting expatriate workers and Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
At the meeting, State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat also drew the attention of Saudi authorities to the possibility of operating direct flights not only from Dhaka but also from Sylhet and Chattogram.
Analysts believe that connecting regional airports to international routes would further strengthen the country’s economic activities and expatriate connectivity.
Minister Afroz Khanam stressed the need to further improve the quality of services provided by Saudi airlines for Bangladeshi passengers. She noted that enhancing passenger service quality is one of the current government’s top priorities, which would help elevate the country’s aviation sector to international standards. In response, the Ambassador assured that effective measures would be taken promptly to improve service quality.
Relevant stakeholders believe that this meeting goes beyond diplomatic courtesy; rather, it signals a strategic advancement in strengthening aviation connectivity, tourism, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. In line with the government’s development-oriented policies, such initiatives are expected to bring positive changes to the country’s aviation and tourism sectors in the future.