Bangladesh seeks Japanese support to launch Third Terminal by December

Dhaka: Bangladesh has sought Japan's assistance to ensure the timely launch of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) on December 16, with the government stressing the need to begin key operational preparations without delay.

The issue came up during a meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat with the Japanese Prime Minister's Special Adviser UNO Yoshimasa, at the Secretariat on July 28, said a press release from the ministry.

The minister said the government is working in line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's directive to inaugurate the long-awaited third terminal on December 16, adding that all necessary preparations would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

State Minister Millat said it is crucial to immediately begin the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) program to meet the planned inauguration date. He said the Japanese Stakeholder Working Group (SWG) needs to complete the submission of its tender next month so that ORAT activities can begin promptly.

Highlighting Japan's role as one of Bangladesh's oldest and most trusted development partners, Millat noted that Japanese organizations have played a significant role in constructing the third terminal. He sought Japan's continued cooperation to ensure the terminal is opened to passengers on schedule.

UNO Yoshimasa expressed optimism that Bangladesh-Japan cooperation would continue to deepen and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to supporting ongoing initiatives, including the HSIA third terminal project.

The meeting also reviewed the longstanding bilateral partnership and Japan's contribution to Bangladesh's infrastructure development.

At the end of the meeting, the minister and state minister presented Yoshimasa with a model of a Biman Bangladesh Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner to commemorate the resumption of the airline's direct Dhaka–Narita flights.