Bangladesh and the United Kingdom have signed an aviation-focused PPP agreement aimed at unlocking investment, expanding infrastructure and deepening private sector participation, signalling renewed momentum in Dhaka’s push to modernise its aviation ecosystem.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between PPP Authority CEO Ashik Chowdhury and British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, comes as both sides look to translate long-standing economic ties into tangible aviation-sector gains. The signing was witnessed by UK Trade Envoy Rosie Winterton during her Dhaka visit.

Officials say the agreement opens the door to a broad spectrum of aviation investments—from infrastructure financing and airport development to technical collaboration, capacity building and private operator participation—under a government-to-government framework.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat underscored Dhaka’s political backing for the initiative, saying the government would extend full support to ensure the partnership delivers “mutual benefit for both countries.”

Adviser Humayun Kobir framed the deal within Bangladesh’s wider economic outreach, reiterating that the country is “open for business” and keen to harness both domestic youth potential and the dynamism of UK-linked diaspora enterprises.

From London’s side, Baroness Winterton positioned the MoU as a strategic lever linking aviation to trade and tourism growth, expressing hope it would translate into “real progress on the ground.”

High Commissioner Cooke described the UK as a “reliable, long-term economic partner,” signalling continued British interest in Bangladesh’s infrastructure pipeline at a time when Dhaka is seeking diversified, high-quality foreign investment.

For Dhaka’s investment authorities, the message is equally pointed. Chowdhury called the MoU “an important step forward,” noting that while the UK remains a major investor, fresh entrants have been limited in recent years. The agreement, he said, sends a clear signal that Bangladesh is ready for a new generation of aviation-linked investments while supporting workforce mobility.

Crucially, officials indicated the MoU’s scope remains deliberately broad. Responding to an Aviation Express query, investment authorities said the framework allows for wide-ranging cooperation across the aviation value chain—including, in principle, services such as ground handling at Dhaka airport.

With Bangladesh pursuing airport expansion, fleet modernisation and hub ambitions, the Bangladesh–UK aviation MoU positions PPPs as a central vehicle to bridge financing gaps and accelerate sectoral transformation.