Third terminal soft opening planned for Dec 16: Rashiduzzaman Millat

The government is working to hold a soft opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 16, newly appointed Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said on Sunday.

Speaking to journalists after assuming office, he said the government was also taking steps to sign an agreement with a Japanese company in September regarding the third terminal.

He added that the government plans to launch Dhaka-New York flights next year and hopes to add 10 leased aircraft to Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ fleet soon.

Millat assumed office at 9:00am and later attended a meeting with ministry and subordinate agency officials, according to a ministry press release.

He said his first priority would be better coordination between the ministry and its agencies.

“For the convenience of work, I want to work from either Civil Aviation or Biman Bangladesh Airlines one day out of five working days,” he said.

He called for moving beyond conventional bureaucracy and adopting innovative plans, saying, “Good work will be rewarded, while poor performance will face reprimand.”

The government is considering resuming flights at Ishwardi Airport to facilitate transportation of radioactive materials for the Pabna nuclear power plant., he said.

Millat further said he had spoken with US-Bangla Airlines about operating flights from Jashore following a decline in commercial flights there.

A feasibility study is under way for Bogura airport, while the government hopes to open Cox’s Bazar International Airport in October.

Millat thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for entrusting him with the ministry, saying cabinet reshuffles were normal and the new leadership wanted to advance its work through a coordinated team.