At least 525 high-rise buildings have been constructed illegally over the past decade in the ‘no-fly zone’ surrounding Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Tejgaon Old Airport.
Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) disclosed this at a press conference on Thursday.
The CAAB Chairman said that these buildings were built without approval and pose a threat to aviation safety.
“Civil Aviation does not have the authority to demolish structures. We have formally informed RAJUK several times. It is now RAJUK’s responsibility to take action,” Siddiq said.
The issue has resurfaced following the recent plane crash on Milestone School building near the Dhaka airport.
The CAAB chairman said, “There are no illegal high-rises near Milestone School. Buildings are permitted up to 150 feet there and the existing structures are no taller than 135 feet.”
Regarding the much-anticipated third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Siddique said the inauguration date is yet to be finalised.
Construction is progressing swiftly, and talks are ongoing with a Japanese consortium regarding operational responsibilities. “Once both parties reach consensus, an agreement will be signed,” he added.