BD and UAE Initiate Talks for Bilateral Aviation Deal

Chattogram experienced a turnaround in November with a 7.11% surge in export container handling, reaching 57,560 TEUs, and a 3.59% increase in import containers, totaling 1,07,363 TEUs. This positive trend follows months of decline and signals a potential strong year-end performance for the port.

India has approved four new air routes connecting its northeastern states with international destinations, including Dhaka and Chattogram, as part of the "Udan" project for regional air connectivity.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines responds to rising demand by expanding flight services on key Middle East routes. Effective 28 December, BG235 introduces direct flights between Sylhet and Jeddah every Thursday, enhancing travel options to Saudi Arabia. Beginning 21 February 2024, BG236 offers direct Jeddah-Sylhet flights every Wednesday to cater to expatriates and pilgrims.

Mongla Port, reported earnings of Tk 30,241.68 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23, according to the Mongla Port Authority. During the same period, the port welcomed 827 commercial ships, handled 99.05 lakh tonnes of cargo, and processed 26,583 TUS containers.

Bangladesh has requested China to extend the loan availability period for the Padma Bridge rail-link project by one year, from May 17, 2024, to May 2025. Although the Dhaka-to-Bhanga section of the 'Padma Bridge Rail Link' has commenced commercial train operations, the overall progress on the rail project is behind schedule.

Imports through land ports in Bangladesh, notably from India, witnessed a significant 13% YoY decline in the fiscal year 2022-23, attributed to a prevailing US dollar crisis in the country. Bangladesh Land Port Authority data reveals a steep fall to 1.74 crore tonnes of goods across 15 land ports, marking the sharpest decrease in the last three fiscal years.