Bangabandhu International Airport will be built beside the Padma Bridge, the soon-to-be landmark structure in Bangladesh, said State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali.

The new cabinet member unveiled the plan for the new international airport named after the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) office in the city on Tuesday.

“Bangabandhu airport will be built beside the Padma Bridge and the airport will be the hub of the East and the West,” said Mahbub Ali.

On New York flights, he said: “A team of US Federal Aviation Authority will come to visit Bangladesh on March. Flights to New York will start after they issue clearance certificate.”

In reply to a query about aircraft ground handling irregularities, he said the allegations will be taken into account.

According to the minister, the government will focus on airport services so VIPs and general passengers avail of same facilities. Airports will be turned into a safe and joyful passage for passengers.

“We will take measures to improve the quality of service. New routes will also be open for Bangladesh Biman, the national carrier,” he added.

CAAB Chairman Air Marshal M Naim Hassan was also present on the occasion.