Bangladesh Government Allocates 902 Crore Taka to Operationalize Shahjalal Airport Third Terminal
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Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat announced Sunday that the newly constructed Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport remains non-operational due to incomplete internal work by the previous administration. Addressing a session of the National Parliament, the minister stated that an allocation of 902 crore taka is required to finalize the terminal’s activation.
The minister, responding to a supplementary question from NCP lawmaker Hannan Masud, emphasized that the state risks significant financial loss by failing to utilize the 2.1 billion dollar asset. He noted that the Ministry of Finance has secured the necessary funds to pay outstanding dues to the Aviation Dhaka Consortium (ADC), which is a prerequisite for making the terminal fully functional. Once operational, the terminal is expected to double passenger capacity, generating sufficient revenue to repay the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) loan.
Regarding the current status of the project, Minister Millat informed Sultana Ahmed that approximately 57 percent of the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process has been completed. The government is working to finalize the remaining stages within the established timeline.
In response to other inquiries, the Aviation Minister addressed concerns regarding the procurement of nine aircraft during the previous government’s tenure, pledging an investigation into any potential irregularities. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent passenger harassment, citing improved baggage handling statistics, with the first luggage delivered within 18 minutes in over 86 percent of cases during the last fiscal year. Furthermore, the ministry is amending aviation and travel agency laws to ensure transparency, requiring agencies to clearly display licensing information and ticket prices.
In other parliamentary proceedings, State Minister for Environment Sheikh Faridul Islam reported that the government has reclaimed approximately 2,300 acres of forest land since February 17. He also addressed reports of illegal resort construction on Saint Martin’s Island, stating that he conducted an on-site inspection this month and has directed local and district administrations to halt all unauthorized activities. Additionally, the Environment Minister noted that Bangladesh currently ranks 13th on the Global Climate Risk Index 2026, underscoring the severe impact of global warming on the nation.
Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid reassured the house that there is no shortage of chemical fertilizers for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with distribution being closely monitored to ensure farmers receive supplies at regulated prices.
Meanwhile, Minister of Liberation War Affairs Ahmed Azam Khan announced the establishment of the July Directorate to rehabilitate and recognize individuals affected by the July movement. He added that the government is also formulating plans to recognize and support victims of enforced disappearances and state-sanctioned violence. Furthermore, the ministry has initiated a nationwide audit of government employees to identify those who may have obtained employment or benefits using fraudulent freedom fighter certificates, with verification processes currently underway across various departments.
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