Lawmakers in Bangladesh’s National Parliament have renewed calls to reopen the Shamshernagar Airport in Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar to enhance tourism and local business. The issue was raised through an emergency notice by Moulvibazar-3 MP M Naser Rahman, who urged the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister to consider partial civilian use of the airbase currently under the Air Force. The discussion took place in a recent parliamentary session, where the agenda was confirmed by the Legislative Support Wing of the Parliament Secretariat.

The airport, built during World War II over about 800 acres, has a 6,000-foot runway and is now used for Air Force training. Local residents and expatriates claim vested interests have blocked its reopening, though they argue it would benefit the economy and tourism. Another MP, Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, also supported the demand, citing easier access to nearby tourist sites such as Lawachara and Madhabkunda.

In response, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said a feasibility study is underway to assess the airport’s commercial viability. The Moulvibazar Chamber of Commerce welcomed the parliamentary attention, noting that improved air connectivity could revitalize regional trade.