Govt’s move to enact drone policy at final stage: State minister

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Mahbub Ali today told parliament that the government's move to enact a drone policy is at the final stage.

In reply to a question from ruling Awami League MP (Noakhali-2) Morshed Alam, the state minister said the size of drones, its registration and flying of drones, among other issues, will be included in the policy.

He also said in the recent times, some interested persons and organisations are flying unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAV/UAS), remote control aircraft or toy aircraft without any permission which may cause a sudden accident with different local and foreign plane, helicopter and high-speed military aircraft.

In the written answer, the junior minister said flying of the unmanned aerial vehicle system or flying of aircraft through remote control or drone is increasing in the country day by day.

He said UAV/UAS is designed in such a way that they can be operated from the land through using remote control, tablet and smartphone--without the help of pilot.

Dhaka-Manchester Biman flight by next year

In reply to a query from AL MP Wasiqa Ayesha Khan elected from reserved seats for women in parliament, the state minister told parliament that Biman Bangladesh has taken measures to begin flight between Dhaka-Manchester by early next year.

He also said the government has taken various measures including complete automation in ticket selling, prevent misuse in expenditure and ensuring on-time flight schedule in a bid to turn Biman into a profitable venture. 

Expansion of airports

In reply to a query from AL MP Momtaz Begum from Manikganj-2, the state minister informed the House that the government has taken various measures for development and expansion of country's existing airports including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Cox's Bazar Airport, Shah Amanat Airport in Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.

In reply to another query, Mahbub Ali said the government has the plan to resume operation in Shamshernagar stall airport in Moulvibazar in a limited scale using 17 to 18 seated small aircraft considering availability of passengers and interest of airlines.