New Era for Bangladesh Aviation: Modern Air Traffic Management Center Inaugurated at HSIA
A historic milestone was achieved in the country’s civil aviation sector as the modern and automated Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) was officially inaugurated at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday morning.
Speaking as the chief guest, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Mizu Afroza Khanam stated that the introduction of this international-standard system will make Bangladesh’s airspace significantly safer and more efficient. She was accompanied by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, who attended as a special guest.
The Minister expressed her gratitude to the French government and Thales for their technological contribution, noting that the new system increases airspace management capabilities manifold and supports the government’s vision of transforming the airport into a global aviation hub.
Following her remarks, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat highlighted that a new technology-based era has begun, emphasizing that the modern system will foster regional cooperation and create opportunities for integrated airspace management, provided there is a continuous focus on developing skilled human resources.
According to technical experts, the launch of the ATMC brings transformative changes by increasing the accuracy and punctuality of flight operations while reducing security risks. The center is expected to play a vital role in meeting international standards, increasing foreign exchange earnings through overflight revenue, and expanding the country’s Flight Information Region (FIR).
Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), noted that the facility overcomes long-standing limitations by introducing a state-of-the-art ATM-CNS system.
French ambassador in Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet lauded the cooperation as a symbol of mutual trust between the two nations, expressing hope that French support for Bangladesh’s aviation development would continue.
During the welcome speech, Air Commodore Md. Noor-e-Alam, Member (ATM) of CAAB, confirmed that while the official inauguration took place today, the system had successfully started operations on January 22, utilizing integrated flight data and ADS-B technology to ensure fuel savings and reduced delays.
The event was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Fahmida Akhtar, Finance Secretary Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Majumder, and other senior officials.
However, the formal proceedings were overshadowed by a media walkout, as journalists present at the venue boycotted the scheduled press briefing following the inauguration to protest the perceived disrespect shown to them by the event organizers.