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DHAKA, Sept 2, 2026 (BSS) - Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat today said negotiations on the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's Terminal 3 will begin next week following completion of the techno-financial evaluation of a Japanese proposal.

"The techno-financial evaluation of the proposal submitted by the Japanese Sub-Working Group (SWG) has already been completed. Negotiations will begin next week," he said.

Millat disclosed this during a courtesy meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh SAIDA Shinichi at the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat this morning. The minister stressed the urgency of launching ORAT, saying the government is determined to inaugurate the newly constructed Terminal 3 on schedule.

"The present government is committed to inaugurating the newly constructed Terminal 3 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on time. Therefore, it is essential to start the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process as soon as possible," he said.

Millat said work at the ministry level on the Letter of Assurance required for successful operation of the terminal is also underway. "We hope to complete all the necessary processes soon," he added.

During the meeting, Ambassador Shinichi congratulated Millat on assuming office as a full minister, while the two sides discussed the government's plans for developing the country's civil aviation and tourism sectors.

Describing Japan as a trusted development partner of Bangladesh, Millat said the government wants Tokyo alongside Dhaka in its efforts to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub.

He said the recently launched direct Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight between Dhaka and Narita reflected Bangladesh's growing interest and firm commitment to expanding connectivity and cooperation between the two countries.

On tourism, Millat said Bangladesh has more than 500 heritage tourism sites and that the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry and Cultural Affairs Ministry are working jointly to develop them. He said the government also wants to work with Japan under a public-private partnership (PPP) model to develop Buddhist tourism.

The government is working to create a conducive environment for Japanese investment in Bangladesh's tourism sector, he said, inviting proposals from Japanese investors for heritage tourism development.

Ambassador Shinichi reaffirmed Japan's strong commitment to working closely with the Bangladesh government in implementing the present government's election manifesto.