Govt to support private investment in Kuakata air connectivity: PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also said the present government has a specific commitment to develop Bangladesh’s tourism sector in a sustainable and planned manner.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has told parliament that the government will provide necessary infrastructure support if private companies come forward to operate flights to Kuakata.
He made the remarks today (15 April) while responding to a supplementary question from a lawmaker during the 14th day of the first session of the Jatiya Sangsad.
During the session, Patuakhali-4 MP ABM Mosharraf Hossain underscored the tourism potential of Kuakata, pointing out its strategic importance due to the presence of a naval base, a cantonment, and the nearby Payra Port.
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He suggested that establishing an airport in the area could significantly boost tourism and asked whether such a project would be considered.
In response, the premier said Biman Bangladesh Airlines could operate flights on the Dhaka-Kuakata route, but warned that if the service incurred losses, the financial burden would ultimately fall on taxpayers. From a commercial standpoint, he noted, such an operation may therefore not be viable.
However, he added that if private companies show interest in running flights to Kuakata, the government would extend support by facilitating the necessary infrastructure development to the best possible extent.
He stressed that any such initiative must be preceded by proper feasibility studies and careful evaluation, as the government does not want to undertake projects that lead to public losses, nor does it encourage entrepreneurs to invest in ventures that may not be sustainable.
The prime minister also reiterated that the current administration is committed to the planned and sustainable development of Bangladesh's tourism sector.
He said the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is already working on preparing a "National Tourism Master Plan" aimed at guiding long-term tourism development.
In this context, he added that special emphasis is being placed on preserving the natural beauty of Kuakata while gradually developing it into a well-planned tourism hub under the proposed master plan.
