Third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) cannot be inaugurated during the interim government's tenure, Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin announced today.

Adviser made the statement while responding to journalists' questions at a press conference held at the Secretariat. Event was organised to mark the promulgation of Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, and Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) Amendment Ordinance, 2025.

"We tried our utmost, but our efforts have not been successful," Bashir Uddin said when asked whether the terminal could open under current administration.

Government made extensive attempts to bring the terminal into operation, including negotiations and meetings with Japanese vice minister. Despite best efforts, procedural and operational challenges prevented the launch.

Adviser explained that work is now underway to activate procedural requirements necessary for commissioning the terminal. Government is also completing preparatory processes for future operations.

He noted that the final decision on opening the terminal would be taken by the next government. Secretary of Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Nasreen Jahan was also present at the press conference.

Third terminal project has faced multiple delays since construction began. Japanese government provided significant funding and technical support for the state-of-the-art facility, which was expected to significantly expand HSIA's passenger handling capacity.

Terminal was designed to ease congestion at existing terminals and accommodate growing international traffic through Dhaka.