DHAKA : Bangladesh today formally launched the process of formulating its first-ever integrated Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP) to guide the sustainable and long-term development of the country’s aviation sector over the next three decades.

The formal journey of preparing the national aviation roadmap began with the inauguration of a workshop titled “Civil Aviation Master Planning Overview” at Hotel InterContinental here.

ICAO GOLD-certified Civil Aviation Academy, Bangladesh, under the guidance of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the overall supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) organized the workshop.

The proposed CAMP will serve as a comprehensive national roadmap for the aviation sector, outlining development goals, priorities and strategic directions for the next 20 to 30 years and beyond.

The plan is expected to address key areas including airport infrastructure development, modernization of air navigation services, expansion of the airline industry, development of skilled human resources, enhancement of aviation safety and security, environmental sustainability and technology-driven growth aligned with international standards.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said the master plan would help ensure coordinated and future-oriented development of Bangladesh’s rapidly growing aviation sector.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the event as special guest, while Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar joined as the guest of honour.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice-Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq presided over the workshop.

CAAB Member (Operations and Planning) Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan delivered the address of welcome.

Presenting the keynote paper, ICAO expert Mohamed El Amiri shared international experiences in civil aviation master planning and discussed planning methodologies, strategic priorities and the requirements for developing an effective national aviation master plan for Bangladesh.

He highlighted global best practices and emphasized the importance of long-term planning to meet future aviation demands and international compliance requirements.

Officials said Bangladesh currently lacks a comprehensive national Civil Aviation Master Plan. 

To address this gap, CAAB has undertaken the initiative to formulate the plan, which is expected to be completed within the next one to one-and-a-half years.

They noted that ICAO has already agreed to provide the necessary technical and expert assistance for formulation of the master plan.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Air Force and Bangladesh Navy, representatives from the ministries of planning, finance and public administration, managing directors and chief executive officers of various airlines, aviation experts and other stakeholders participated in the workshop.

Officials described the initiative as a milestone in Bangladesh’s aviation history, marking the first formal effort to develop an integrated national master plan for the sector.