Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat today said construction of Bogura International Airport is the government’s top aviation infrastructure priority, while preliminary procedural work has begun for an airport in Trishal, Mymensingh.

A priority list has been drawn up to make eight airports across the country operational as part of efforts to modernise air connectivity, he said, adding that a Netherlands-based company has already expressed interest in the Bogura airport project.

The minister made the remarks while addressing three separate programmes during a daylong visit to Mymensingh, according to an official press release.

Speaking at a discussion at the Trishal Upazila Administration’s conference room, Millat said construction of an airport generally takes more than 10 to 12 years.

“Preliminary procedural work has now begun for the construction of an airport in Trishal. However, considering various factors, our first priority is Bogura International Airport,” he said.

The meeting discussed construction of an international airport and development of Trishal as a modern tourism city.

Later, addressing the closing ceremony of the Inter-Upazila Debate Competition 2026 at Mymensingh Town Hall, the minister urged students to prepare themselves to lead the country’s future development.

Under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the government has adopted various plans for sustainable rural development, including tree plantation, midday meals for students and tuition-free education for female students up to undergraduate level, he said.

Millat urged students to stay away from drugs and participate in sports alongside their studies, calling on the younger generation to contribute to building a drug-free Bangladesh.

He distributed medals among members of the champion and runner-up teams.

At a separate ceremony at the Mymensingh Zila Parishad conference room, the minister handed over cheques for development projects completed or being implemented under different financial years.

“The present government has undertaken an extensive programme of work for the country’s development, and transparency and accountability are being ensured in every activity,” he said.

He described the cheque distribution ceremony as an example of accountability and urged political leaders and activists to put the greater national interest above narrow personal interests.

Millat also alleged that rumours about the ousted government’s return were being spread deliberately and called for united efforts to advance the country under the prime minister’s leadership.