by 
Dhaka Post, Sylhet, April 27, 2025, 21:50
In a groundbreaking development for Bangladesh’s aviation and trade sectors, cargo transportation costs from Dhaka to Europe have been slashed by 13%, according to Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Advisor to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of cargo flights from Sylhet’s MAG Osmani International Airport on Sunday evening, he highlighted the significance of this milestone, marking the first time cargo flights have operated from outside Dhaka since Bangladesh’s independence.
“This is a historic day for the people of Sylhet. Our business community, which previously relied on foreign airports due to high costs, can now export goods at significantly lower rates from our own country,” Uddin said. He credited collaborative efforts for resolving logistical challenges and emphasized that the launch of cargo flights from Sylhet is a “revolutionary step” for the region’s economy.
The event, organized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, was chaired by Air Vice Marshal Md. Manzur Kabir Bhuiya, Chairman of the authority. Special guests included Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqul Fazl Ansari, and Nasrin Jahan, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Hafiz Ahmad, Director of MAG Osmani International Airport, delivered the welcome address.
Ambassador Ansari underscored the long-standing demand of Sylhet’s residents for a fully functional international airport, recalling past protests, including strikes, to achieve this goal. “The launch of cargo flights from Sylhet fulfills a heartfelt aspiration. If sustained, this initiative will greatly benefit the people of Sylhet,” he said, noting that previous mismanagement had hindered development in the region. He expressed optimism about operating at least two weekly cargo flights from Sylhet initially.
Nasrin Jahan added that the new cargo flights would alleviate pressure on Dhaka’s aviation infrastructure while fulfilling Sylhet’s demand for global connectivity. “This is a significant step toward integrating Sylhet into the global trade network,” she said.
The first cargo flight, an Airbus 337 carrying 60 tons of goods, departed for Spain on Sunday. The event was attended by prominent figures, including BNP and Jamaat leaders, business representatives, and local dignitaries.
This initiative is expected to boost Bangladesh’s export capabilities, reduce dependency on foreign airports, and enhance Sylhet’s role in international trade.
AI/MR
