Dhaka : Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser SK Bashir has indicated that the government may allow a second international ground handler for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's (HSIA) Third Terminal, alongside Biman Bangladesh Airlines, in a bid to ensure international-standard passenger and cargo services.

"We have already taken a decision regarding ground handling and will make it public soon," Adviser Bashir said. "We want to establish a competitive environment. Our aim is to enhance services based on the capacity of all those involved in ground handling. We want a coordinated approach," he explained.

"We do not want Biman in any way to become uncompetitive, but at the same time we also do not want our passenger services to deteriorate," Bashir added.

He further noted that while Bangladesh may not immediately achieve the highest international benchmarks, passenger services at the new terminal must at least reach a "dignified and respectable" standard. "So, to make sure it, we want to bring a competition," he asserted.

Meanwhile, a three-day negotiation between the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and a Japanese consortium concluded on September 7 to decide the operation of the newly built third terminal.

CAAB officials said the first two sessions were chaired by CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mostofa Mahmud Siddiq, while Adviser Bashir presided over the concluding day of talks. Representatives from all stakeholders, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as transaction adviser, participated.