Bangladesh and the United States have held talks aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the development of the aviation sector, with a focus on modernisation, safety, and operational capacity.
On Tuesday, a courtesy meeting took place at the Secretariat between Afroza Khanam, Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism of Bangladesh, and Brent T. Christensen, the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh. The meeting was attended by State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat along with senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
A government statement confirmed that the discussions centred on strengthening long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between Dhaka and Washington while identifying areas for practical collaboration in civil aviation. Bangladesh emphasised the need for robust US support to upgrade the country’s aviation infrastructure and enhance the operational capabilities of its airlines and airports.
Ambassador Christensen assured that the United States remains committed to supporting Bangladesh in these efforts. He highlighted that Washington would continue to assist Dhaka in key areas, including technical expertise, safety standards, and human resource development. Both sides also underscored the importance of fostering strategic projects that serve mutual interests.
The meeting highlighted several priority areas for cooperation, which can be summarised as follows:
| Area of Cooperation | Bangladesh Proposal | US Commitment/Support |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Modernisation | Upgrade to international standards and facilities | Technical guidance, funding support |
| Aviation Safety & Compliance | Implement enhanced safety protocols and audits | Training programmes, technology transfer |
| International Connectivity & Routes | Expand direct routes and air links | Policy and regulatory assistance |
| Human Resource Development | Pilot and cabin crew training initiatives | Exchange programmes, specialised workshops |
| Bilateral Projects & Investments | Joint infrastructure and service projects | Collaborative planning and resource allocation |
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Khanam said that such exchanges would provide a significant boost to Bangladesh’s aviation sector, enabling it to meet global standards and improve operational efficiency. She noted that strengthening civil aviation capabilities would also support tourism growth and international trade.
Ambassador Christensen added that both countries are committed to deepening cooperation in aviation and related sectors, emphasising the strategic and economic benefits for both Bangladesh and the United States.
Officials noted that future engagement would include technical workshops, training initiatives, and potential joint projects to enhance airport operations, airline safety, and passenger experience. The meeting marks a step forward in reinforcing Dhaka–Washington collaboration in one of Bangladesh’s most rapidly evolving sectors.