The government has sought Japan\u2019s continued cooperation to ensure the timely opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), with preparations under way to inaugurate the facility on 16 December this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The issue was discussed during a courtesy meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Japanese Prime Minister\u2019s Special Adviser Uno Yoshimasa at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, bilateral cooperation and Japan\u2019s significant contribution to Bangladesh\u2019s infrastructure and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister Afroza Khanam said the government was working in line with the Prime Minister\u2019s directive to inaugurate the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on 16 December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said all necessary preparations would be completed on time to ensure the terminal opens as scheduled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said it was essential to begin the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme without delay to meet the planned inauguration date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the Japanese Stakeholder Working Group (SWG) should complete the tender submission process next month to facilitate the start of ORAT activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Describing Japan as one of Bangladesh\u2019s oldest and most trusted development partners, Millat said Japanese companies had played a key role in constructing the third terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He sought Japan\u2019s continued support to ensure the terminal is opened to the public on schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uno Yoshimasa expressed hope for further strengthening Bangladesh-Japan cooperation and reaffirmed Japan\u2019s commitment to supporting ongoing initiatives, including the HSIA third-terminal project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the meeting, the minister and state minister presented Yoshimasa with a model of a Biman Bangladesh Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner to mark the resumption of the airline\u2019s direct Dhaka-Narita flights.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"