Trishal to be assessed for proposed international airport: Aviation minister

The government plans to build a full-fledged international airport in Trishal, Mymensingh, with a feasibility study set to be conducted soon, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said today (11 October).

The proposed airport, located relatively close to Dhaka, is part of a broader development initiative aimed at improving connectivity and accelerating economic growth in the Mymensingh division, according to a press release.

"Considering future development, we will take the initiative to construct a full-fledged international airport in the Trishal area of Mymensingh, near Dhaka. A feasibility study will be conducted soon," the minister said.

He was speaking at a reception organised by Mymensingh City Corporation for students who achieved GPA-5 in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations of 2026, held at Sarinda Sabari Resort in the city, read a press release.

The minister said he did not want Mymensingh to remain a neglected division and pledged to work with lawmakers, the administration and other stakeholders to advance development across the greater Mymensingh region.

The announcement comes as Bangladesh pursues plans to expand its aviation capacity and strengthen international air connectivity. The government has also backed plans to expand Biman Bangladesh Airlines' fleet to support direct flights to destinations including New York, Sydney, South Korea and China.

Speaking about the fleet expansion, Millat said Biman had initiated the purchase of 35 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2031 and continue through 2036–37.

He said the acquisitions were planned partly to replace ageing aircraft and would help the national flag carrier expand its international operations.

Beyond aviation, the minister outlined plans to establish a full-fledged engineering university by upgrading Mymensingh Engineering College and developing a children's park in the region.

He also said the government would work to develop Birishiri in Netrokona into a nationally recognised tourist destination capable of attracting international visitors.

Millat called for coordinated efforts to create jobs, reduce unemployment and improve infrastructure across the division. He also referred to ongoing development work on the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway.

Information and Broadcasting State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury, who attended the programme as a special guest, said the government was also developing an information complex in Mymensingh with facilities for journalists and entertainment, including a modern cineplex.

The event was chaired by Mymensingh City Corporation Administrator Md Rukunuzzaman Rokon and attended by local lawmakers, government officials, political leaders, teachers, parents and students.