Ninety-seven percent work of the 3rd terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has been completed, said Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan on Thursday.

“I am satisfied at the progress of the work. 97% work has been finished while the remaining three percent  including co-ordination and testing remained incomplete ,” he said while visiting the terminal.

Replying to a question about the opening date of the terminal, the minister said it is highly technical work and it is impossible to implement it within the fixed time. “However, I am hopeful about the timely launch of the terminal.”

Talking about the facilities of the terminal, Faruk said there are 54 immigration counters and  people are expected to get desired  services there.

Responding to a question about the construction of a second runway, the minister said "The ILS (Instrument of Landing System) system of our existing runway is being upgraded. Radars are being upgraded. However, we have plans for the second runway. As there are so many buildings around the airport, we are looking how we can built a second runway. ”

In a query about the plane fare of Malaysia-bound passengers, the minister said “The plane fare depends on supply and demand. Those who are involved in sending workers to Malaysia, knew it one month ago that May 31 was the last date to send workers. However, neither the recruiting agency nor other suppliers took action in this regard.”

Currently, Biman operates three to four flights to Malaysia every day. Some Malaysian people on Wednesday sought permission to operate a chartered flight from Dhaka to Malaysia with an Air Cambodia aircraft and the permission was given, he said.