Dhaka airport not being renamed: Minister

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Md Rashiduzzaman Millat stated that there is no plan to change the name of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The minister made this remark to reporters after inspecting the Third Terminal on Tuesday morning.

He was accompanied by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, State Minister for Planning Junaid Saki, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chairman Ashik Chowdhury.

During the visit, Millat categorically said, “By any means, we want to open it by December 16.”

He mentioned that test trials of various machines and systems are being conducted daily in preparation for the terminal’s launch. Currently, work is approximately 57% complete. Steps have been taken to expedite the remaining work, including internet connectivity, machinery, and the integration of various systems.

Regarding the airport’s name change, the minister said there is no need to spend public funds solely for a name change. The government's current priority is to quickly launch the Third Terminal and ensure the quality of its services. "It’s not about changing the name; we are prioritising the launch of the Third Terminal."

According to the government’s plan, after partial operations begin on December 16, the terminal will be fully operational in phases. The goal is to hand over responsibility of the terminal to the Civil Aviation Authority by the middle of next year.