PM directs swift launch of Dhaka airport third terminal, no timeframe set: Minister Afroza

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed the concerned authorities to expedite the opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, although no specific timeframe has been set, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said today (22 February).

“The prime minister has been briefed about the current status of the third terminal. After hearing the details, he directed that it be opened as soon as possible,” she said while speaking to reporters following a special inter-ministerial meeting on the third terminal convened by the prime minister at the Secretariat.

She added that the prime minister had given specific recommendations on certain issues, and the relevant authorities would take steps accordingly.

Also speaking to journalists after the meeting, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), said the prime minister had issued several directives regarding the launch of the terminal, and further actions would be taken based on those instructions.

He also said a meeting with the Japanese ambassador is scheduled for tomorrow.

The Bida chairman noted that a new minister has taken charge of the aviation ministry and is trying to understand the matter, describing the third terminal issue as one that dates back six years.

Responding to a question on whether a fresh tender would be floated for operating the third terminal, the Bida chief did not give a direct answer.

“I cannot comment on that at this moment. This is a government-to-government (G2G) issue,” he said.