The government has announced plans to develop Rajshahi, Cox's Bazar, Jashore and Saidpur airports as international gateways and introduce an integrated digital logistics platform to boost trade, transportation and regional connectivity.

Looking ahead, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today announced plans to establish a national air connectivity grid, develop new international gateways and transform Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet into integrated passenger and logistics hubs.

Unveiling the national budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in the Jatiya Sangsad, the minister said the initiatives are part of a broader strategy to transform Bangladesh into a modern regional aviation hub and strengthen the country's position in global trade and transportation networks.

He said Rajshahi, Cox's Bazar, Jashore and Saidpur airports would be upgraded as international gateways to enhance regional and international air connectivity and support economic activities across the country.

Amir Khosru said an integrated digital logistics platform would also be introduced to facilitate the seamless movement of goods, strengthen supply chains and improve trade efficiency.

The finance minister said the government is implementing a series of infrastructure development projects to modernise the aviation sector, including the expansion of terminal facilities at Jashore and Saidpur airports, full-scale operation of the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and enhancement of runway capacity at Sylhet and Chattogram airports.

Development works at Cox's Bazar Airport are also nearing completion, which will further improve airport capacity and passenger services, he added.

The minister said the government is simultaneously modernising airport passenger services, strengthening cargo management systems, improving aviation safety standards and expanding digital services to develop a safer, more efficient and competitive aviation sector.

He said efforts are also underway to ensure hassle-free passenger services, improve facilities for expatriate workers, promote the use of renewable energy and develop skilled human resources to build a sustainable and inclusive aviation system.

As part of the broader tourism development strategy, the government is preparing an investment roadmap to attract more tourists and generate substantial employment opportunities in the sector.

The finance minister expressed optimism that the planned initiatives would increase private investment, create jobs and accelerate economic growth while helping raise tourism's contribution to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) to between six and seven percent.