The board of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab) has given its approval to the draft agreement with a Japanese consortium for the operation of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. This development marks a significant step toward finalizing Japan's role in managing the country's premier international airport's state-of-the-art facility.

Next Steps in the Process

According to sources, following the Caab board's approval, the draft agreement will now be forwarded to the relevant ministries for their consent. Once ministerial approval is secured, the formal signing of the contract and the commencement of operational procedures will proceed. The agreement is understood to cover various aspects of the terminal's operation, maintenance, and management by the Japanese consortium.

Significance of the Third Terminal

The third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country's aviation sector. Once fully operational, the terminal is expected to significantly increase the airport's annual passenger handling capacity and ensure services of international standards. Stakeholders believe that leveraging Japanese expertise and technology will elevate the terminal's operations to a global level.

Economic and Strategic Partnership

This agreement signals a new dimension of strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan in the aviation sector. Japan has long been involved in financing and providing technical assistance for various infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. With the responsibility of operating the third terminal, Japanese entities are set to become more deeply engaged in Bangladesh's aviation management. Analysts suggest that the implementation of this deal will not only improve airport services but also further strengthen bilateral commercial ties between the two nations.