Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday inaugurated the brand new Dash 8-400 aircraft of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and expresssed her desire to establish strong regional connectivity by cashing in on the country’s geographical location in Southeast Asia.
“We want to establish strong connectivity with neighbouring countries…” she said.
The premier joined the inauguration ceremony at the VIP Lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban.
Noting that effective connectivity is required
for trade and business, she said Bangladesh can easily establish strong and effective connectivity with the Southeastern countries due to its geographical location and that is why the government has taken different measures to this end.
“Now, we are upgrading Cox’s Bazar and Syedpur airports as international ones while construction works of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and expansion of Sylhet international airport are going on, and the remaining work will be done gradually,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina named the Dash 8-400 aircraft “Dhrubotara” mentioning that other brand new aircraft included by her government has been named as Palki, Arun Alo, Akash Pradip, Raanga Pravat, Meghdoot, Mayurpankhi, Akash Beena, Hongshobalaka, Gangchil, Achin Pakhi and Sonar Tori in accordance with the country’s nature.
“I have selected these names and my younger sister Sheikh Rehana helped me do it,” she added.
The national flag carrier received the first Dash 8-400 aircraft out of three made by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, a prominent aircraft-maker of the North American country.
The Dash 8-400 aircraft, equipped with eco-friendly and state-of-the-art facilities, arrived here on November 24.
With the addition of the new Dash plane, the number of Biman’s aircraft has been raised to 19, including four Boeing 777-300ER, four Boeing 787-8, two Boeing 787-9, six Boeing 737 and three Dash 8-400.
