News Flash
DHAKA, April 3, 2026 (BSS) - Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita has said the government prefers to assign operational responsibility of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) 3rd terminal to the Japanese consortium through negotiations while safeguarding national interests.
“We are currently working on the revenue-related aspects. That is what the discussions are focused on. Once we reach a mutual understanding on that, we will be able to arrive at a decision. So, we will sit down for discussions again,” she told reporters after emerging from the second round of talks with the Japanese side today.
The minister added: “We are repeatedly sitting at the table to safeguard national interests. We want to make the terminal operational as soon as possible.”
Bangladesh and Japan held the second round of high-level meeting to advance negotiations on the operation and maintenance of the third terminal, signalling renewed momentum toward finalising the long-delayed deal.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, among others.
During the meeting with the Japanese delegation, detailed discussions were held on the revised proposal regarding terminal operation and maintenance, focusing on embarkation fees, upfront payment and revenue-sharing arrangements.
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat urged the Japanese side to reconsider Bangladesh’s proposals and submit a revised offer, reiterating the government’s interest in working closely with Japan.
“We are in negotiations. The discussions are still proceeding; it’s an ongoing process. Hopefully, it will be finalised soon,” Millat said after the meeting.
Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and the CAAB chairman Vica Marshal Md Mostofa Mahmood Siddiq also joined the discussions.
The Japanese delegation was led by Assistant Vice Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Nakayama Rieko.
Officials said the meeting focused on operational and financial aspects as both sides seek to resolve outstanding issues and reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
The latest round of talks follows an earlier meeting held on March 13, marking continued high-level engagement to operationalise the nearly completed terminal.
“If consensus is reached, it may take nearly three months to sign the agreement,” Millat told BSS on Thursday, adding that the terminal is expected to be inaugurated by the end of this year or between January and February 2027.
He said the terminal remained closed for about one and a half years during the interim government period, preventing several foreign airlines from launching operations in Bangladesh.
Millat added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed authorities to open the terminal at the earliest after assuming office, prompting fresh negotiations with the Japanese consortium.
The consortium comprising Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Sojitz Corporation and Narita International Airport Corporation, has submitted a revised offer with reduced pricing, narrowing differences.
The terminal, financed largely by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, was built at a cost of about Taka 21,398 crore.
Spanning around 542,000 square metres, it is designed to handle an additional 12–16 million passengers annually along with nearly 900,000 tonnes of cargo.
