DHAKA, Jan 14, 2024 (BSS) - Newly appointed civil aviation and tourism minister Muhammad Faruk Khan today vowed that he would advance the country's ongoing aviation and tourism development in line with the Awami League's election manifesto. 
 
"According to the Awami League's election manifesto, we are committed to the countrymen and my first job will be fulfilling those commitments," he said. 
 
The minister made the remarks in his maiden interaction with the journalists after assuming the office as the civil aviation tourism minister for the second time. 

In light of his previous experience as the minister of this ministry, Faruk said that he would carry forward all ongoing development projects in the aviation sector as well as put his efforts in route expansion of the national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines. 

Noting that Bangladesh has immense potential for tourism, the minister said his ministry would work to pull foreign investment into the travel and leisure arena. 

He also laid emphasis on more private organizations' engagement in the development of the country's tourism industry. 
 
Faruk said the civil aviation and tourism ministry would be a 'smart ministry' in line with the government's 'Smart Bangladesh' vision aimed at inclusive digital transformation to build a developed and prosperous country by 2041. 
 
Earlier, the new minister was welcomed by the high officials of the ministry and its line organizations led by civil aviation and tourism secretary Md. Mokammel Hossain.