Bangladesh has underscored the necessity for the Japanese Stakeholder Working Group (SWG) to submit its tender next month to initiate the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process, essential for the opening of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's (HSIA) Third Terminal by December 16. This urgency was highlighted during a meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Ria, State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat, and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan UNO Yoshimasa at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The government aims to inaugurate the Third Terminal in line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's directives. Japan, a trusted development partner, has significantly contributed to the terminal's construction, and its cooperation is vital for the timely completion of preparations.
Government's Commitment to Timely Inauguration
Minister Afroza Khanam Ria reiterated the government's commitment to inaugurate the Third Terminal on December 16, stating that all necessary preparations will be completed in time to meet the target date. State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat emphasized the urgency of beginning the ORAT process to make the terminal operational by the tentative inauguration date.
Japan's Role and Cooperation
During the meeting, Minister Millat acknowledged Japan as one of Bangladesh's oldest and most trusted development partners, highlighting the significant contribution of Japanese companies to the construction of the Third Terminal. He sought Japan's overall cooperation in completing the necessary preparations to open the terminal to the public within the targeted timeframe. UNO Yoshimasa expressed hope for further strengthening Bangladesh-Japan cooperation and continuation of Japan's support for ongoing initiatives, including the HSIA Third Terminal project.
Symbolic Gesture and Future Prospects
At the end of the meeting, Ministers Afroza and Millat presented UNO Yoshimasa with a model of Biman Bangladesh Airlines' Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marking the resumption of Biman's flights on the Dhaka-Narita route. This symbolic gesture underscores the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan and their mutual cooperation.






























