Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Afroza Khanam, said the government is working to establish Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub connecting South Asia with other parts of the world.

The minister made the remarks as chief guest at an event titled "Saudia and HSBC: Powering Global Connectivity – Celebrating Saudia's Journey in Bangladesh," held at the Sheraton Hotel in Banani, Dhaka, on Monday.

"Bangladesh is entering a new era in aviation," the minister said, adding that under the government's leadership, the country was building modern airport infrastructure, improving passenger service standards and working to expand Bangladesh's air connectivity with the rest of the world. 

She said the goal was to establish Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub linking South Asia to the wider world and welcomed international airlines, financial institutions, and strategic investors to take part in that effort.

The minister also praised Saudia's long-standing presence in Bangladesh, saying the carrier had operated in the country as a foreign airline for 46 years. 

She said Saudia had connected millions of passengers, facilitated international travel for migrant workers, and ensured safe and reliable journeys for pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, describing the airline as an important bridge between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia rather than simply a carrier.

The event was attended by Tanvir Gani, special assistant to the prime minister for investment and capital market affairs; Dr Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Bangladesh; Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq and senior officials from Saudia, HSBC, and other institutions.

Speakers at the event emphasised strengthening air connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia and discussed the role of the aviation sector in expanding global connectivity along with prospects for future cooperation.