The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is yet to know a specific date for the opening of the much-anticipated third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, despite progress in construction and preparation.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Secretariat on Thursday to mark World Tourism Day, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan and Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin addressed questions from journalists regarding the terminal’s operational timeline.
In response, Nasreen said that although significant work had been completed, some critical components—particularly in operation and maintenance, which she described as “the lifeblood of aviation”—were still ongoing.
“We need time to complete all processes required for launching an international-standard airport,” she said. “Once everything is in place and we receive the final clearance, we will proceed immediately. Only then can we confirm the opening date.”
When pressed further on whether the ministry had a target timeframe, she said a target can only be set once we have full clarity.
She added that when those responsible for implementation hand "the terminal over to us, we’ll be in a position to announce a date."
Regarding the handover of operations to a Japanese company, the secretary said that the issue remains at the government-to-government negotiation stage, and no official statement could be made until the process is concluded.
Adviser Bashiruddin said that the process involves two key phases: selecting an operator and conducting an operation readiness test.
“We are currently working on selecting an operator. Following that, the readiness assessment will take a few more months. Once consultants complete the test, the airport will be ready to open,” he added.
The adviser underscored the government's urgency and commitment to launching the terminal.
He mentioned that the government has invested Tk 21,000 crore in this project, not the Japanese. “So, there’s a strong economic interest here, and we, at the ministry, are making every effort to move forward as quickly as possible,” he said.