Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman has directed the launch of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).

The directive was issued during a meeting held at the Cabinet Conference Room in the Secretariat on Sunday. After the meeting, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam confirmed the announcement.

Afroza Khanam said that the PM is making efforts to ensure the third terminal is launched soon and has issued instructions in this regard.

When asked by journalists about the expected timeline for the terminal’s launch, the minister said, “It is not possible to specify exactly when it will be operational. Discussions and investigations are ongoing on how we can expedite the process, but no specific date can be given at this time.”

Regarding questions about previous recommendations, structural adjustments, network issues, and why the terminal could not be opened despite over 99% completion, she said, “The delay occurred during the interim government. They could have been asked why it wasn’t opened. Now, the Prime Minister is making efforts to ensure it opens soon and has issued instructions accordingly.”

The meeting, presided over by the PM, was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, and Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).