Bangladesh, Türkiye to Establish Joint Drone Manufacturing Facility in Bogura, Minister Says
A joint drone manufacturing facility with Türkiye will be established in Bogura as part of a broader development plan that also includes upgrading Bogura Airport to international standards and establishing a new air base, according to State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam.
The Bangladesh government plans to establish a joint drone manufacturing facility in Bogura in partnership with Türkiye, while also upgrading the district's airport to international standards and developing a new air force base, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam announced on Thursday.
The state minister made the remarks during a dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat, where he outlined several development initiatives planned for the northern district.
Addressing journalists, Mir Shahe Alam said northern Bangladesh has long lacked an international-standard airport, adding that the government has already taken steps to modernize Bogura Airport to address the issue.
He also revealed that approval has already been granted for establishing an air force base in Bogura. According to the minister, new fighter aircraft expected to join the Bangladesh Air Force in the future will be stationed at the planned facility.
The minister further announced that a joint drone production facility involving Bangladesh and Türkiye will also be built in Bogura, although he did not disclose additional details regarding the project's timeline, investment or production capacity.
Speaking about regional development, Mir Shahe Alam said he remains committed to accelerating infrastructure and institutional development in his constituency. He noted that several educational institutions had been established in the area but had not previously received government recognition due to political circumstances. He said efforts are now underway to include those institutions under the government's MPO programme.
The state minister also highlighted recent administrative changes in Bogura, saying four new unions had been created in the district. He acknowledged that the naming of several unions initially sparked public debate but said the names of three unions were later changed in accordance with the Prime Minister's directives and public opinion.
According to the minister, Bogura had experienced limited development over previous years, affecting employment opportunities and government postings in the region. He said the current administration is working to ensure balanced development across all districts, with Bogura receiving priority attention as part of that broader national strategy.
Responding to questions regarding public criticism involving family members, Mir Shahe Alam said his son had previously been elected unopposed to a position in the cricket board but later resigned at his request to focus on business activities and avoid any potential conflict of interest.
He argued that many young people associated with his political party had been unable to pursue careers or business opportunities for years due to legal and political challenges. He said individuals should be supported when pursuing opportunities through legitimate means and outside any conflict of interest.
The minister also addressed recent reports concerning his personal wealth, stating that all of his assets had been properly declared in his election affidavit submitted to the Election Commission. He said property acquisitions made after assuming office were carried out through companies or by family members for business expansion and should be assessed through lawful investigation if questions arise.
On the issue of local government elections, Mir Shahe Alam confirmed that polls are expected to be held later this year. He said funding has already been allocated in the national budget, while the Election Commission has begun preliminary preparations for the vote.
The state minister acknowledged that conducting free, fair and credible local government elections, alongside implementing a large national budget, would be among the government's major challenges in the coming months. He expressed hope that all preparations would be completed successfully to ensure an acceptable electoral process.
The announcements reflect the government's broader efforts to expand strategic infrastructure, strengthen regional development and enhance Bangladesh's industrial and defense-related capabilities through international cooperation.
The state minister made the remarks during a dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat, where he outlined several development initiatives planned for the northern district.
Addressing journalists, Mir Shahe Alam said northern Bangladesh has long lacked an international-standard airport, adding that the government has already taken steps to modernize Bogura Airport to address the issue.
He also revealed that approval has already been granted for establishing an air force base in Bogura. According to the minister, new fighter aircraft expected to join the Bangladesh Air Force in the future will be stationed at the planned facility.
The minister further announced that a joint drone production facility involving Bangladesh and Türkiye will also be built in Bogura, although he did not disclose additional details regarding the project's timeline, investment or production capacity.
Speaking about regional development, Mir Shahe Alam said he remains committed to accelerating infrastructure and institutional development in his constituency. He noted that several educational institutions had been established in the area but had not previously received government recognition due to political circumstances. He said efforts are now underway to include those institutions under the government's MPO programme.
The state minister also highlighted recent administrative changes in Bogura, saying four new unions had been created in the district. He acknowledged that the naming of several unions initially sparked public debate but said the names of three unions were later changed in accordance with the Prime Minister's directives and public opinion.
According to the minister, Bogura had experienced limited development over previous years, affecting employment opportunities and government postings in the region. He said the current administration is working to ensure balanced development across all districts, with Bogura receiving priority attention as part of that broader national strategy.
Responding to questions regarding public criticism involving family members, Mir Shahe Alam said his son had previously been elected unopposed to a position in the cricket board but later resigned at his request to focus on business activities and avoid any potential conflict of interest.
He argued that many young people associated with his political party had been unable to pursue careers or business opportunities for years due to legal and political challenges. He said individuals should be supported when pursuing opportunities through legitimate means and outside any conflict of interest.
The minister also addressed recent reports concerning his personal wealth, stating that all of his assets had been properly declared in his election affidavit submitted to the Election Commission. He said property acquisitions made after assuming office were carried out through companies or by family members for business expansion and should be assessed through lawful investigation if questions arise.
On the issue of local government elections, Mir Shahe Alam confirmed that polls are expected to be held later this year. He said funding has already been allocated in the national budget, while the Election Commission has begun preliminary preparations for the vote.
The state minister acknowledged that conducting free, fair and credible local government elections, alongside implementing a large national budget, would be among the government's major challenges in the coming months. He expressed hope that all preparations would be completed successfully to ensure an acceptable electoral process.
The announcements reflect the government's broader efforts to expand strategic infrastructure, strengthen regional development and enhance Bangladesh's industrial and defense-related capabilities through international cooperation.
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