Dhaka: Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, and Energy Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan visited the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) today to review the progress of this critical infrastructure project. They inspected the newly constructed terminal and received briefings on its development and preparedness for operation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Third Terminal is anticipated to revolutionize Bangladesh’s aviation sector by substantially increasing passenger and cargo handling capabilities. Following their inspection, the advisers participated in a presentation session at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) headquarters, where officials elaborated on key aspects of the expansion project and future operational strategies.
Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Ashiq Chowdhury joined the presentation session virtually. Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan, and CAAB Chairman Air Vice-Marshal Mohammad Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan were among other senior officials present.
In April, the government established a six-member committee led by Energy Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan to oversee and propose strategies for the terminal’s operation, including ground handling services. The committee also includes Civil Aviation Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, BIDA Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, Secretary Nasreen Jahan (member Secretary), and CAAB Chairman Air Vice-Marshal Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan. Their mandate is to ensure that the terminal adheres to international standards and delivers top-notch service to both domestic and international travelers.
Earlier in January, CAAB reaffirmed its plan to inaugurate the terminal by the end of 2025. “We will open it by the end of this year at any cost,” stated CAAB Chairman Air Vice-Marshal Bhuiyan during a press briefing on January 16 at the CAAB headquarters.
Initiated on December 28, 2019, the Third Terminal project involves an investment of Tk 21,300 crore, with the government contributing Tk 5,000 crore and the remainder financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The terminal, covering an area of 230,000 square meters, boasts 115 check-in counters, 66 departure immigration booths, 59 arrival immigration desks, and three dedicated VIP immigration counters. Once fully operational, it will more than triple HSIA’s passenger capacity from eight million to 24 million annually and significantly enhance cargo handling capacity from 500,000 tonnes to over one million tonnes per year.