The Bangladesh government has emphasized the necessity for the Japanese Stakeholder Working Group (SWG) to submit its tender next month, a critical step to start the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process for the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). This is essential for the planned inauguration of the terminal on December 16. The 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. The government aims to complete all preparations to meet the target inauguration date.
Minister Ria stated that the government is committed to opening the Third Terminal of HSIA by December 16, in line with directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. She assured that all necessary preparations will be completed on time. State Minister Millat underscored the importance of initiating the ORAT process promptly to ensure the terminal's operational readiness by the target date. He emphasized that the timely submission of the tender by the Japanese SWG is crucial for the commencement of ORAT activities.
Millat acknowledged Japan's significant contribution to the construction of the Third Terminal and sought Japan's overall cooperation in completing the preparations to open the terminal within the targeted timeframe. He described Japan as one of Bangladesh's oldest and most trusted development partners. The meeting also discussed the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan, mutual cooperation, and Japan's contribution to Bangladesh's infrastructure and development.
Special Adviser Yoshimasa expressed hope for further strengthening Bangladesh-Japan cooperation and continuing Japan's support for ongoing initiatives, including the HSIA Third Terminal project. At the end of the meeting, Ministers Ria and Millat presented Yoshimasa with a model of Biman Bangladesh Airlines' Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marking the resumption of Biman's flights on the Dhaka-Narita route.
The successful completion of the ORAT process and the opening of the Third Terminal of HSIA are significant milestones for Bangladesh, enhancing its aviation infrastructure and boosting connectivity.
