Dhaka: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita has announced that the government is inclined to entrust the operational responsibilities of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) 3rd terminal to a Japanese consortium, while ensuring the protection of national interests. The minister emphasized that current discussions are primarily focused on revenue-related aspects, and a decision will be made once a mutual understanding is reached.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the second round of high-level negotiations between Bangladesh and Japan took place to advance talks on the operation and maintenance of the third terminal, marking progress toward finalizing the long-pending agreement. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, included notable attendees such as Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, and Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir.
During the discussions with the Japanese delegation, detailed deliberations were conducted on the revised proposal concerning terminal operation and maintenance, with a focus on embarkation fees, upfront payment, and revenue-sharing arrangements. State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat called on the Japanese side to reconsider Bangladesh’s proposals and submit a revised offer, expressing the government’s eagerness to collaborate closely with Japan.
Millat mentioned that negotiations are ongoing and expressed optimism that the agreement would be finalized soon. The meeting was attended by key figures such as the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and the CAAB chairman Vica Marshal Md Mostofa Mahmood Siddiq.
Assistant Vice Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Nakayama Rieko led the Japanese delegation. Discussions centered on operational and financial aspects as both parties aim to resolve outstanding issues and reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
This latest round of discussions follows an earlier meeting held on March 13, highlighting continuous high-level engagement to operationalize the nearly completed terminal. Millat noted that once a consensus is reached, signing the agreement may take approximately three months, with the terminal expected to be inaugurated by the end of this year or between January and February 2027.
Millat also noted that the terminal was closed for about one and a half years during the interim government period, hindering several foreign airlines from launching operations in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to expedite the terminal’s opening, prompting renewed negotiations with the Japanese consortium.
The consortium, comprising Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Sojitz Corporation, and Narita International Airport Corporation, has submitted a revised offer with reduced pricing, narrowing differences. The terminal, largely financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, was constructed at a cost of about Taka 21,398 crore. Covering approximately 542,000 square meters, it is designed to accommodate an additional 12-16 million passengers annually, along with nearly 900,000 tonnes of cargo.