Bangladesh wants to become a regional aviation hub. Government is seeking international partners.

Bangladesh is working to become a regional aviation hub linking South Asia with the wider world, civil aviation and tourism minister Afroza Khanam said Monday.

Khanam said the government is focusing on modernizing airport infrastructure, improving passenger services and expanding international air connections. She invited international airlines, financial institutions and strategic investors to take part in the effort.

Speaking at an event marking Saudia’s 46 years of operations in Bangladesh, Khanam praised the Saudi flag carrier for connecting millions of passengers and supporting travel by Bangladeshi workers. She also highlighted its role in transporting Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Khanam called Saudia an important bridge between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. Other speakers urged stronger cooperation in aviation, trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people ties between the two countries.