Call to launch direct flights to Turkey from Chittagong and Sylhet

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has urged Turkey to consider launching direct flights from Chittagong and Sylhet to meet the growing travel demand of expatriate Bangladeshis and boost international connectivity.
He made the proposal at a meeting with a Turkish delegation led by Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Şen at his office at the ministry on Wednesday.
According to a ministry press release, the minister placed special emphasis on establishing direct air links between Turkey and Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet. He said most expatriate Bangladeshis have homes in Chittagong and Sylhet and have a high demand for international travel.
Direct flights from the two airports would make international travel easier and strengthen ties between the peoples of Bangladesh and Turkey, he said.
The Turkish delegation also included Commercial Counsellor Bilal Belyurt and Turkish Airlines Country Director in Bangladesh Islam Gure.
Expanding air connectivity between the two countries was also discussed at the meeting. The minister welcomed Turkey’s interest in increasing Turkish Airlines flights on the Dhaka-Istanbul route. Turkish Airlines currently operates seven weekly flights on the route. Turkey has expressed interest in adding three more weekly flights.
The minister said opportunities for international flights would increase after the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport becomes operational. He said stronger air connectivity would help expand trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people contact.
Welcoming the delegation, M Rashiduzzaman described Bangladesh-Turkey relations as historic and friendly. He said there were opportunities to expand cooperation in aviation, tourism, culture and people-to-people contact.
M Rashiduzzaman said the government has taken an initiative to develop 1,498 tourist destinations across the country under public-private partnership (PPP). He invited Turkish investors to explore opportunities in tourism infrastructure development, management of tourist destinations and improving hospitality services.
He said Turkey’s experience in tourism development and hospitality could contribute to Bangladesh’s efforts to build a competitive tourism industry meeting international standards.
The meeting also discussed simplifying visa procedures for Bangladeshi citizens. Rashiduzzaman Millat stressed the need to ease visa procedures for business travel, tourism and closer people-to-people contact.
He said increased movement between the two countries would deepen bilateral relations and create new opportunities for economic cooperation.
The minister called for effective measures by both countries to simplify visa procedures and increase people-to-people contact. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in aviation, tourism, investment and people-to-people relations.
The minister reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing friendship with Turkey. He expressed hope that greater cooperation in aviation and tourism would benefit the people of both countries.