Japan's support sought for launching 3rd terminal
Preparations are well under way to inaugurate the third terminal on December 16 this year
ATT Correspondent 
The government has sought Japan's continued cooperation to ensure the timely opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), with preparations under way to inaugurate the facility this December 16.
The issue was discussed during a courtesy meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Japanese Prime Minister's Special Adviser Uno Yoshimasa at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, bilateral cooperation, and Japan's significant contribution to Bangladesh's infrastructure and development.
Minister Afroza Khanam said the government was working in line with the Prime Minister's directive to inaugurate the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 16.
She said all necessary preparations would be completed on time to ensure the terminal opens as scheduled.
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said it was essential to begin the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme without delay to meet the planned inauguration date.
He said the Japanese Stakeholder Working Group (SWG) should complete the tender submission process next month to facilitate the start of ORAT activities.
Describing Japan as one of Bangladesh's oldest and most trusted development partners, Millat said Japanese companies had played a key role in constructing the third terminal.
He sought Japan's continued support to ensure the terminal is opened to the public on schedule.
Uno Yoshimasa expressed hope for further strengthening Bangladesh-Japan cooperation and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to supporting ongoing initiatives, including the HSIA third-terminal project.
Following the meeting, the minister and state minister presented Yoshimasa with a model of a Biman Bangladesh Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner to mark the resumption of the airline's direct Dhaka-Narita flights.
