Improvement in transport infrastructure amid political instability

Despite political instability, the country's communication system has improved in the outgoing year, as several projects initiated by the past Awami League government were completed. New international routes were also opened, enhancing global connectivity.

On January 10, the second non-stop intercity train, Tourist Express, began operations on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar-Dhaka rail route. The train departed Kamalapur Railway Station at 6:15 am, covering 346 kilometers. Earlier, on November 11 of the previous year, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the newly constructed Dohazari-Cox's Bazar railway line. From December 1, the Cox's Bazar Express started uninterrupted commercial passenger services on this route.

On January 29, construction began on the country’s first underground metro rail, the MRT Line-1 project. The 31.24-kilometer railway line will consist of two sections: a 19.87-kilometer underground segment from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Kamalapur (Airport Route) and an 11.36-kilometer elevated segment from New Market to Purbachal (Purbachal Route).

On March 12, the Burimari Express was inaugurated on the Burimari-Dhaka route from Burimari railway station in Lalmonirhat's Patgram. The train, inaugurated by MP and freedom fighter Motahar Hossain, establishes new connectivity for passport and visa holders traveling between Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, and Nepal, promising socio-economic and economic benefits.

On March 26, flights resumed on the Dhaka-Rome route after nine years. State-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines now operates flights using Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The route was originally launched on April 2, 1981, but was suspended on April 6, 2015, due to passenger shortages and other issues.

On October 10, the newly constructed Padma Railway Bridge facilitated its first commercial intercity train journey from Dhaka to Bhanga Railway Station in Faridpur. Initially, 82 kilometers of the 172-kilometer project became operational, with the remaining 90 kilometers, connecting Bhanga to Jessore, being completed on December 24. Bangladesh-China joint-funded contractor China Railway Group (CREC) executed the project, linking the southern and southwestern regions to the national railway network.

On April 18, the Chinese embassy launched a dedicated visa center in Dhaka to enhance business and communication ties. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen inaugurated the center at the Prasad Trade Center in Banani.

On May 15, the country's third and first deep-sea port of independent Bangladesh, Payra, received its first foreign ship at its newly built jetty. The Panama-flagged ZEN Hua 27 docked on the inaugural day. With a budget of BDT 40 billion, the port is undergoing further development, including a terminal, yard, six-lane connecting roads, and a six-lane bridge over the Andarmanick River.

On June 1, commercial train services began on the newly established railway line between Benapole Land Port in Jessore and Mongla Port in Bagerhat, boosting trade activities between the two ports.

On July 5, the Padma Bridge project's construction was officially completed. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared the project finished at a grand gathering in Mawa. After donor agencies withdrew in 2012, citing allegations of corruption, Sheikh Hasina decided to proceed with domestic funding. Construction officially began in November 2014.

On October 21, 300 students joined forces with the police to bring order to Dhaka's traffic system. This initiative is set to expand gradually.

On November 3, the Japan Visa Application Center (VAC) began operations in Dhaka, offering effective and organized visa application services to applicants in Bangladesh.

Also, on November 3, Ethiopian Airlines launched direct flights between Dhaka and Ethiopia. The airline offers five weekly flights, enabling direct access to Africa and connections to over 155 destinations globally, including Europe and North America.

On November 11, a special expatriate lounge for migrant workers was inaugurated at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Located on the second floor of the airport's multilevel car park, the spacious and comfortable lounge was developed in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh.

On November 26, the newly constructed Jamuna Railway Bridge saw its first trial train operation. The train traveled from the eastern side in Bhuyanpur, Tangail, to the western side in Sirajganj. The project, jointly funded by the governments of Bangladesh and Japan, was previously known as the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge but was renamed Jamuna Railway Bridge. Full inauguration is expected in early January.