Japan envoy meets aviation minister as govt moves to expedite Dhaka airport's Third Terminal
The discussion further addressed areas of mutual interest, including continued collaboration in the aviation sector, reads a press release issued by the ministry
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita held a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi in Dhaka today (24 February) to discuss expediting the opening of the long-delayed Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The discussion further addressed areas of mutual interest, including continued collaboration in the aviation sector, reads a press release issued by the ministry.
The Tk21,000-crore Third Terminal project, built with financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) and soft-launched in October 2023, has remained largely idle despite construction being completed over a year ago.
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Negotiations between Bangladesh and the Japanese side over operational and revenue-sharing arrangements collapsed in November 2025 following disagreements.
On Monday (22 February), Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed authorities to fast-track the operational launch of the terminal to enhance passenger handling capacity and improve efficiency during a meeting at the Cabinet Conference Room of the Secretariat.
With the prime minister's latest directive, efforts are now expected to resume to revive discussions and finalise terms for full-scale operations.
Officials expressed hope that once operational, the Third Terminal will ease congestion at Dhaka airport, increase passenger and cargo capacity, and further strengthen Bangladesh-Japan cooperation in the aviation sector.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present in the meeting.
