Dhaka: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat today announced that negotiations on the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's Terminal 3 are set to commence next week. This development follows the completion of the techno-financial evaluation of a proposal submitted by the Japanese Sub-Working Group (SWG).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Minister Millat shared this information during a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh SAIDA Shinichi at the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The minister emphasized the necessity of launching the ORAT process, highlighting the government's commitment to inaugurating Terminal 3 on schedule.
"The present government is committed to inaugurating the newly constructed Terminal 3 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on time. Therefore, it is essential to start the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process as soon as possible," Millat stated. Additionally, he indicated that the ministry is actively working on the Letter of Assurance needed for the terminal's successful operation.
During their meeting, Ambassador Shinichi congratulated Millat on his appointment as a full minister. Discussions between the two officials covered the government's plans for advancing Bangladesh's civil aviation and tourism sectors. Millat described Japan as a reliable development partner and expressed the government's desire to collaborate with Tokyo in transforming Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub.
Highlighting the recent launch of direct Biman Bangladesh Airlines flights between Dhaka and Narita, Millat noted this as a reflection of Bangladesh's dedication to expanding connectivity and cooperation with Japan. On the tourism front, he mentioned Bangladesh's more than 500 heritage tourism sites and the joint efforts of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry and the Cultural Affairs Ministry to develop these locations. The government is keen to engage in public-private partnerships with Japan to enhance Buddhist tourism.
Millat also invited proposals from Japanese investors for the development of heritage tourism, emphasizing the government's efforts to create a favorable environment for Japanese investment in Bangladesh's tourism sector. Ambassador Shinichi reaffirmed Japan's commitment to collaborating closely with the Bangladesh government in realizing the current government's election manifesto.