Deal with Japanese consortium to operate Third Terminal by 19 July: State Minister Millat
The Japanese consortium would also appoint a second ground handler for the terminal.
The long-delayed agreement between a Japanese consortium and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) for the operation of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is expected to be signed by 19 July, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said today (4 June).
The minister also expressed optimism that the terminal would become operational by 16 December, ending nearly one and a half years of uncertainty over the management of the country's largest aviation infrastructure project.
"As per the deadline, the agreement will be signed by 19 July, but we will try to finalise it sooner. We hope the third terminal will become operational by 16 December this year," Millat told reporters during a press briefing on current affairs under the ministry at the Secretariat.
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He further mentioned that the Japanese consortium would appoint the second ground handler for the terminal.
The third terminal has remained idle for nearly 18 months because of disagreements over management responsibilities and revenue-sharing arrangements between CAAB and the Japanese consortium comprising Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Nippon Koei, and Narita International Airport Corporation.
Today, the two parties concluded a two-day bilateral meeting to finalise issues related to the operation and maintenance of the terminal.
The latest discussions follow previous negotiations held on 3 April between Bangladesh and Japan. While both sides engaged in extensive talks at that time, they were unable to reach a final agreement.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the ongoing discussions focused on a revised proposal submitted by the Japanese side covering the terminal's operation and maintenance. The negotiations centred on several key issues, including embarkation fees, upfront payments and revenue-sharing arrangements.
Industry insiders have criticised the prolonged delay, attributing it to policy indecision during the previous interim administration, which left a major national asset unused despite the completion of construction work.
After assuming office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed the authorities to resume negotiations with Japan. The move led to renewed discussions between the two sides, including a meeting held on 13 March at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The third terminal spans 542,000 square metres and is designed to handle an additional 12 million to 160 lakh passengers annually, along with nearly 500,000 tonnes of cargo, significantly expanding the airport's operational capacity.
No evidence of mishandling of Hajj passengers' luggage
Addressing reports circulating on Facebook alleging that luggage belonging to 150 passengers on a recent Biman Bangladesh Airlines Hajj flight had been cut open and valuables stolen, State Minister Millat said investigations had found the claims to be inaccurate.
According to investigations conducted by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and airport authorities, there was no evidence that any luggage had been damaged after arriving in Bangladesh.
Instead, officials found that 21 pieces of luggage had sustained damage at the airport of origin, including five or six bags that had been cut open.
The minister also noted that no passenger had submitted a written complaint alleging the theft of valuables.
He explained that under aviation regulations, pilgrims and other passengers are not permitted to carry Zamzam water or improperly sealed liquid products inside checked baggage. If such items are detected during baggage screening, airport authorities in the country of departure may open or cut luggage to remove and confiscate the prohibited items.
"Under international regulations, carrying undeclared cash or wallets inside checked baggage is prohibited. A review of CCTV footage at Dhaka airport found no evidence of mishandling," he added.
