Newly appointed Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has pledged to accelerate implementation of ongoing initiatives to transform Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors, saying substantial groundwork has already been completed over the past six months.

Millat, who was elevated from state minister to full minister a day earlier, said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wants greater dynamism in implementing plans involving Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the country’s civil aviation sector and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.

“We believe the Prime Minister wants us to pursue these responsibilities in a more dynamic way so that we can accomplish our objectives and significantly expand the country's tourism sector,” he told journalists after paying homage to the Liberation War martyrs at the National Memorial in Savar on Saturday.

Responding to a question about his elevation, Millat acknowledged that his new position carried greater responsibility and said the changes reflected the Prime Minister’s vision for accelerating development of the aviation and tourism sectors.

He said the premier has a vision for reshaping Biman Bangladesh Airlines, civil aviation and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation as part of a broader drive to improve services and contribute to the country’s development.

As the Prime Minister also chairs the National Tourism Council (NTC), Millat said he believed the government has specific plans to significantly expand Bangladesh’s tourism industry.

“All these plans are ultimately aimed at the development of Bangladesh and the welfare of its people,” he said.

Millat said the Prime Minister had assigned responsibilities after considering how members of the government could contribute most effectively in different areas.

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry as a full minister.

Asked about the challenges ahead, Millat said considerable challenges remained, but the ministry had already advanced a number of initiatives during the past six months.

“There are certainly many challenges, and we have to address them. Over the past six months, we have already made considerable progress. Now we need the necessary time to move into the implementation phase,” he said.

The minister expressed confidence that the coming period would see stronger implementation and improved performance across the ministry and its agencies.

“By the grace of Allah, we believe this ministry will perform many times better than before,” Millat said.