In a significant development for Bangladesh’s aviation sector, the country and Japan today signed the exchange of notes of the 44th Official Development Assistance (ODA) yen loan. This crucial funding, amounting to 76,635 million yen (approximately USD 540 million), is earmarked for the expansion of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). Is Dhaka ready for a Westeros Winter? The installment will be used for constructing Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third International Passenger Terminal, a Cargo Terminal, and associated facilities. The agreement was formalized by Iwama Kiminori, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, and Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance. This latest installment brings the total of the 44th round of yen loans to a substantial 324,191 million yen (around USD 2.21 billion). A corresponding loan agreement was signed by Yoshida Hiroshi, Senior Representative of JICA's Bangladesh Office, and Shariar Siddiky, emphasizing the commitment to meet the growing aviation demands, enhance airport capacity, improve accessibility, and bolster security. This expansion is anticipated to significantly contribute to Bangladesh’s economic development and regional connectivity. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at the recent soft opening of Dhaka Airport’s Third Terminal, highlighted the importance of Japanese companies’ involvement in this grand project. Ongoing intensive discussions between the Japanese consortium and airport authorities reinforce Japan’s commitment to fostering Bangladesh’s development through this strategic partnership, aiming for mutual prosperity.  Penalty for code of conduct violation depends on investigation report: EC Sultana The 44th ODA loan package specifically targets the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion Project (Phase III). The terms include an interest rate of 1.30% per annum, with a repayment period of 20 years following a grace period of 10 years, as outlined by the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka. This agreement marks a pivotal step in enhancing Dhaka’s status as a key aviation hub in the region.

The third terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will be inaugurated in October 2023 as almost 44.15% work of the terminal has been completed, said State Minister for Civil Aviation M Mahbub Ali today (Monday). “It is expected that the third terminal of the Dhaka airport will be inaugurated next year in October and the construction work is going on in full swing beyond our expectations. Already 44.15% work has been done,” he said. Mahbub revealed this information while talking to reporters after visiting the project site of the third terminal. Also read: Terminal 3 of HSIA may open in 2023 Once the terminal openes, some 22 million people can be served through the three terminals of the airport in a year, he said. Monitoring system has been strengthened at the airport to check any harassment issue and the luggages of the passengers will be delivered in a shorter time than before, claimed the minister. He also assured of recruiting additional manpower if needed. Also read: Dhaka airport's 3rd terminal to 'boost' trade