Kamrul Hasan: As part of the continued progress in diplomatic and economic relations between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates, the aviation and tourism sectors have once again come into focus. New discussions have emerged surrounding international partnerships and modern service management at the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

On Thursday (May 21) morning, H.E. Abdulla Ali Abdulla Alhmoudi, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Afroza Khanom Rita MP, at her office at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

The meeting was also attended by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, M. Rashiduzzaman Millat MP.

During the meeting, emphasis was placed on further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates. Both sides discussed in detail various aspects of cooperation in modernizing the country’s aviation and tourism sectors, attracting foreign investment, and improving service standards.

The Ambassador highlighted the interest of the international company dnata in participating in ground handling operations at the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. dnata, a Middle East-based aviation service provider, is globally recognized for its ground handling and aviation support services at major international airports. Its interest is being viewed as a significant development toward ensuring world-class service standards in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

The Minister, Afroza Khanom Rita MP, stated that the government is fully prepared to take all necessary measures to improve passenger services and operational efficiency at the country’s airports.

She noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government has been continuously implementing infrastructure development, technology-driven management systems, and service modernization initiatives to elevate the aviation sector to international standards.

The Minister and the State Minister also briefed on the progress of preparations for the commissioning of the Third Terminal, stating that after the full commencement of ORAT (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer) activities, the government will take necessary decisions and formally announce further steps.

Stakeholders believe that the commissioning of the Third Terminal will usher in a new era of enhanced capacity and passenger service in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the UAE Ambassador expressed his firm commitment to working closely with the current government of Bangladesh.

Analysts suggest that such strategic cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, one of the most important economic partners in the Middle East, will open new avenues of opportunity for Bangladesh in aviation, tourism, and investment sectors in the future.