Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi in Dhaka met Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita to discuss expediting the long-delayed third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).

On Monday, meeting addressed mutual interests including continued collaboration in aviation sector, according to ministry press release. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat also attended the discussion.

Third terminal project, worth TK 21,000 crore, was built with financial assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Terminal was soft-launched in October 2023 but has remained largely idle despite construction completion over a year ago.

Negotiations between Bangladesh and Japanese side over operational and revenue-sharing arrangements collapsed in November 2025 following disagreements. Standoff has prevented full-scale operations of the facility designed to ease airport congestion.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed authorities on February 22 to fast-track operational launch during meeting at Cabinet Conference Room of Secretariat. PM’s directive aims to enhance passenger handling capacity and improve efficiency.

Officials expressed hope that PM’s latest instruction will revive discussions and finalise terms for full-scale operations. Once operational, third terminal is expected to ease congestion at Dhaka airport and increase passenger and cargo capacity.

Facility will further strengthen Bangladesh-Japan cooperation in aviation sector, officials noted. Terminal has remained underutilised despite significant investment and completion of all construction work.

Government is now expected to resume efforts to resolve outstanding issues with Japanese stakeholders. Aviation authorities are working to expedite the process following high-level political commitment from Prime Minister.