Closed airports will be revived before new ones planned, says State Minister Millat

He also points to Mymensingh as the likely site if a new divisional airport is planned

Dormant airports closed during previous governments will be reopened before any new ones are constructed, according to Aviation and Tourism State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat.

Speaking on Friday at a meeting in Jamalpur deputy commissioner’s office, the MP for Jamalpur-1 said several airports, including Thakurgaon, Nilphamari and Bogura, were previously fully operational but were closed for multiple reasons.

“We will reopen these airports first before considering new projects,” he added.

Millat said if a new airport is planned in any division later, it will be located in Mymensingh.

Priority, however, will be given to restoring existing facilities, he added.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed the ministry to reduce Hajj airfares.

According to the state minister, the premier personally summoned him and asked why ticket prices were so high, directing that fares be brought down.

“We have done the calculations and found that it is possible to make Biman profitable while also reducing ticket prices. Airfares will remain within your reach,” he said.

Millat said the government, after taking office, has found every sector in a “fragile state”, with signs of decay and corruption across the board.

Addressing those gaps will require time and sustained work, he added.

During the meeting, he urged journalists to call a spade a spade, saying there is no objection to fair reporting.

He cautioned against yellow journalism, warning that false or misleading reports that create social unrest cause serious harm to the country.

“Let us work together to build the nation,” he said.