Bangladesh seeks Japan's support to open Dhaka airport third terminal on 16 Dec
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said the government is working to inaugurate the terminal on 16 December in line with the prime minister's directive
Bangladesh has sought Japan's support to help ensure the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) becomes operational on 16 December, as the government pushes ahead with preparations to meet the target date.
The request was made during a courtesy meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Japanese Prime Minister's Special Adviser Uno Yoshimasa at the Bangladesh Secretariat today (28 July), according to a press release.
During the meeting, Afroza said the government is working to inaugurate the terminal on 16 December in line with the prime minister's directive.
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She said all necessary preparations would be completed on schedule to make the opening possible.
Millat stressed the need to launch the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme, describing it as essential to meeting the planned inauguration date.
He said the Japanese Stakeholder Working Group should complete the tender submission process next month so ORAT activities can begin without further delay.
Describing Japan as one of Bangladesh's most reliable and longstanding development partners, Millat acknowledged the contribution of Japanese companies to the construction of the third terminal.
He also sought Tokyo's continued cooperation to ensure the facility is ready for public use by mid-December.
Uno reaffirmed Japan's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and expressed confidence that Japanese support for major development projects, including the HSIA third terminal, would continue.
The two sides also discussed the longstanding Bangladesh-Japan partnership and Japan's role in supporting Bangladesh's infrastructure development.
The third terminal has remained idle for nearly 19 months because of disagreements over management and revenue sharing between the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and the Japanese consortium comprising Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Nippon Koei and Narita International Airport Corporation.
Those issues have largely been resolved following a series of negotiations after the BNP-led government took office, allowing preparations for the terminal's opening to move forward.
