After years of political rivalry, Bogura Airport has been allocated funding to launch commercially. The development work will begin in three phases before June this year.
The interim government allocated Tk 10 crore for the construction of a new runway in the first phase. This fund will be used in the current fiscal year. In addition, land acquisition will be completed in the second phase and other work will be completed in the third phase. This will fulfil the long-anticipated expectations of the people of Bogura.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), tenders have been invited for the construction of the runway. After completing all the processes, the construction of the runway suitable for commercial aircraft will start this year.
Although Bogura Airport was intended for commercial use, it primarily served as a training ground for Bangladesh Air Force aircraft for a long time. Given the demand and potential, the CAAB took the initiative to launch the airport commercially. The airport will be upgraded to international standards in the future.
Currently, the runway is 3,000 feet long. This runway is suitable for small training aircraft.
The airport will be modernised in three phases to meet international standards. For this, another 550 acres of land will be acquired. The renovation will cost about Tk 1,200 crore. However, in the first phase, the runway will be expanded to 6,000 feet, which will later be upgraded to a full-fledged international airport.
If the airport launches commercially, Bogura will serve as a hub for the country’s trade with neighbouring Nepal and Bhutan.
Since President Ziaur Rahman was born in Bogura, the fallen Awami League government did not facilitate this area for 15 years. Bangladesh Pratidin published multiple reports regarding the ill fate of the residents of Bogura. The reports caught the attention of the interim government.
Shiper Al Bokhtiar, a local politician and public representative, said that about 5,000 foreign tourists come to Bogura every year as this area is enriched with several tourist places, including the historical Mahasthangarh. Additionally, it is rich in industries, education and businesses. Despite all these potentials, the former government did not develop the airport as BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman hailed from Bogura.
Bogura District BNP Executive Committee member and MP nomination candidate from Bogura-1 constituency, Md. Mosharrof Hossain Chowdhury, told Bangladesh Pratidin, “I have met several government officials personally, including the finance adviser. They have been requested several times to build an airport. Developments in Bogura have been halted for 15 years. This is a pleasure for the people of the district that an airport is being built in Tarique Rahman's area.”
Bogura Deputy Commissioner Hosna Afroza noted that during a DC conference, held in Dhaka a few days ago, discussions were held on declaring Bogura Municipality a city corporation and constructing an airport. Funds have been allocated and construction work will begin in phases to enable the airport to operate commercially.
Translated & edited by Fariha Nowshin Chinika
