Afroza, Millat Take Charge at Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry

Newly appointed Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat on February 18 assumed office at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism (MoCAT), vowing to promote transparency, good governance and coordinated reforms to modernise Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

The two leaders formally joined the ministry at the Secretariat, where officials and employees of the ministry and its subordinate agencies welcomed them at a reception held in the conference room.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said the government is determined to ensure dynamic and efficient service delivery through close collaboration between policymakers and officials.

“We have come to work together. We seek your sincere cooperation, and through collective efforts we want to make the ministry’s activities more dynamic and effective in serving the public interest,” she said.

The minister stressed the importance of ensuring transparency, accountability and good governance across all operations of the ministry and its affiliated bodies. She underscored the need to strengthen institutional capacity and improve coordination to enhance overall performance in the civil aviation and tourism sectors.

State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat reaffirmed the commitments outlined in the government’s election manifesto, particularly the protection of expatriates’ interests and the enforcement of a strict “zero tolerance” stance against corruption.

Highlighting the aviation sector’s strategic role in national development, he called for swift and coordinated initiatives to transform the country’s airports into modern, efficient and commercially viable facilities. He noted that a strong and well-managed aviation industry is essential for boosting trade, tourism and international connectivity.

At the beginning of the programme, Ministry Secretary Nasreen Jahan delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining the ministry’s ongoing activities, development projects and future action plans.

Both the minister and state minister sought the wholehearted cooperation of all stakeholders to accelerate reform efforts and improve service standards in the civil aviation and tourism sectors.