The government has officially announced plans to transform Bogura Airfield into an international airport. The project will also include a full-fledged Air Force base and a modern flying academy for pilot training.
The announcement followed an inspection of the airfield on Thursday (May 7) by senior government officials and Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) leadership. The delegation included Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, LGRD State Minister Mir Shahe Alam, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan.
Officials stated the initiative, directed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aims to establish Bogura as the first international gateway in northern Bangladesh. The airport will feature international cargo facilities to facilitate the direct export of regional agricultural and light engineering products.
LGRD State Minister Mir Shahe Alam confirmed that a 10,500-foot runway will be constructed to meet international standards. He noted that a feasibility study will begin shortly and assured that landowners affected by land acquisition would receive compensation at three times the market value.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan highlighted Bogura’s strategic importance, noting that the government has granted preliminary approval for a state-of-the-art Air Force base. He also revealed that the process of purchasing new fighter aircraft for the base is already underway to bolster national defense.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam added that the new flying academy would focus on producing internationally qualified pilots, creating significant employment for the country's youth. State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat urged local cooperation, noting that the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has been instructed to fast-track commercial flight operations.
