Bangladesh seeks Japan’s support to open by 16 December
Bangladesh has sought Japan’s support to help ensure the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) becomes operational on Dec. 16, as the government steps up preparations to meet the target date.
The request was made during a meeting Tuesday at the Bangladesh Secretariat between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat and Japanese Prime Minister’s Special Adviser Uno Yoshimasa, according to an official press release.
Afroza said the government is working to inaugurate the terminal on Dec. 16 in line with the prime minister’s directive. She said all necessary preparations would be completed on schedule to facilitate the opening.
Millat said the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme must begin as soon as possible to keep the project on track.
He urged the Japanese Stakeholder Working Group to complete the tender submission process next month so ORAT activities can start without further delay.
He described Japan as one of Bangladesh’s longstanding development partners and acknowledged the contribution of Japanese companies to the construction of the terminal.
He also sought Japan’s continued cooperation to ensure the facility is ready for commercial operations by mid-December.
Uno reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and said Japanese support for major development projects in Bangladesh, including the airport terminal, would continue.
The meeting also reviewed the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and Japan, including Tokyo’s support for infrastructure development in the South Asian country.
The airport’s 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 a Japanese consortium comprising Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Nippon Koei and Narita International Airport Corporation.
The 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, the press release said.
