Bogura to get international airport, flying academy and modern airbase

The government has taken initiative to upgrade Bogura Airfield into an international-standard airport, alongside plans to establish a full-fledged air force base and a flying academy for pilot training.

As part of the initiative, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroz Khanam visited the airfield for an on-site inspection on Thursday morning, travelling by a special Bangladesh Air Force helicopter.

Later in the afternoon, the minister, state ministers and the Chief of Air Staff confirmed the plans at a press briefing following their inspection of Bogura Airfield and surrounding areas.

During the visit, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroz Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, LGRD State Minister Mir Shahe Alam, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan were present.

At the briefing, the aviation minister said that, under the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the delegation visited Bogura.

She added that the region would be transformed into one of the country’s major aviation hubs by utilising the potential of the northern region.

She further said that the people of Bogura are “fortunate”, as the ministry’s major aviation development plan is starting from the district.

State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said that alongside upgrading the airport to international standards, a 10,500-foot runway is planned so that both domestic and international aircraft can land.

He added that the government has taken initiatives to expand the airfield with a pilot training academy and cargo facilities, aiming to open a new horizon in communication, trade and aviation in the northern region.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan said that the primary approval for the air base has already been given by the Prime Minister.

“An advanced air base will be constructed in the northern region. It is my commitment,” he said, adding that modern training and operational facilities will be developed there.

Local Members of Parliament, the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), and senior civil and military officials were also present during the inspection.

Officials expect that once implemented, the project will bring significant changes to the economic landscape of Bogura as well as the wider northern and north-western regions of the country.