Legacy of a Safe Sky: CAAB Marks 53 Years of ICAO Membership, Highlights Future Aviation Vision.
Seminar focuses on infrastructure development, NGAP initiatives, and Bangladesh’s roadmap toward a sustainable and globally compliant aviation sector.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) marked 53 years of its membership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) through a seminar held on 21 January 2026, highlighting its long-standing commitment to aviation safety, orderly growth, and international standards. Titled “Growth, Achievements, Future Needs and ICAO NGAP – Bangladesh Perspective,” the seminar served as a strategic platform to review CAAB’s progress, challenges, and future preparedness in civil aviation.
Air Commodore Abu Saeed Mehboob Khan, BSP, BUP, NDC, PSC, Member (Operations & Planning) of CAAB, emphasized that safety and infrastructure development remain at the core of CAAB’s 53-year journey. He highlighted major airport development projects, including the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, calling it a milestone in Bangladesh’s aviation history that will significantly increase passenger capacity and support the country’s aspiration to become a regional aviation hub. Ongoing upgrades at Shah Amanat International Airport, Osmani International Airport, and other domestic airports were also outlined, alongside future priorities such as green aviation, environmentally friendly infrastructure, and disaster-resilient airports under the vision of “The Legacy of Safe Sky.”
Human resource development featured prominently in the discussions, particularly the ICAO-led Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) initiative. Bangladesh Civil Aviation Academy Director Prashanta Kumar Chakraborty stressed that skilled manpower is as vital as infrastructure and technology, noting the importance of Training Need Assessment (TNA) aligned with ICAO audits and future operational demands. Industry perspectives were shared by Dr. Imran Asif, CEO of Air Astra, and Captain Sazzadul Haque, Chief of Training and Flight Operations Director, who highlighted the growing need for coordinated efforts between government, regulators, and airlines to ensure a sustainable and competitive aviation industry.
