Govt Plans International Airport in Bogura

The government has announced plans to establish an international-standard airport, a modern airbase, and a flying academy in Bogura as part of a major aviation and regional development initiative for northern Bangladesh.

The announcement came on Thursday after a high-level delegation visited the existing Bogura airport area to assess the feasibility of launching commercial international flight operations from the district.

The delegation was led by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita. Other officials present included State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, and Bangladesh Air Force Chief Hasan Mahmood Khan.

Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said the initiative follows a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who recently announced plans for an international airport in Bogura during a public rally in the district.

She said Bogura would become home to the first international-standard airport in northern Bangladesh, describing the project as a major step toward improving connectivity, investment, and economic growth in the region.

The minister also revealed that a flying academy would be established alongside the airport to help produce skilled pilots for the country’s growing aviation sector. According to her, the academy will provide advanced training facilities aimed at developing professional pilots capable of serving both military and civilian aviation needs.

State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government intends to move quickly with the project in line with the prime minister’s commitment. He added that the proposed facilities would include not only the international airport but also a modern airbase equipped with advanced aviation infrastructure.

During a separate briefing, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said an official directive had already been issued from the Prime Minister’s Office following the announcement, prompting the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry to begin formal work on the project.

He noted that the existing Bogura airport is currently being used by the Bangladesh Air Force as a training facility. The Air Force chief has already announced plans to establish the region’s first state-of-the-art airbase there.

According to officials, the proposed flying academy will train both Air Force and civilian pilots, creating opportunities for young aviation professionals from across the country.

Mir Shahe Alam said the airport would require an additional 10,500 square feet of runway expansion to support international operations and cargo services. A decision to move forward with the runway extension was reportedly taken during Thursday’s visit.

Officials believe the airport could transform the economy of Bogura and the wider northern region by opening direct cargo export opportunities for agricultural products, agro-processing goods, light engineering products, and locally manufactured machinery.

They said improved air connectivity and cargo facilities would make it easier for local farmers and industrial producers to reach international markets, while the establishment of aviation training centres and related educational institutions could attract new investment and create significant employment opportunities.

Lawmakers Rezaul Karim Badsha and Mosharaf Hossain were also present during the inspection visit.