In a significant development, Japan has been selected to handle the ground operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka.
The government has made a policy decision to entrust Japan with this responsibility, and the terms of the arrangement will be determined through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The aim is to enhance the efficiency and quality of services provided at the airport's third terminal.
The announcement was made by Air Vice Marshal Md. Mofidur Rahman, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), during a dialogue organized by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the airport on Saturday.
Regarding aircraft procurement, the CAAB chairman mentioned that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed an increase in the fleet and cargo capacity. Both Boeing and Airbus are being considered, and the final decision will be based on the best offer received. The chairman emphasized that the selection process will be fair and competitive.
Responding to a question about the launch of Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ New York flight, the chairman stated that the planned October launch has been delayed due to Biman failure to apply for permission on time.
However, he expressed optimism that the New York flights will still commence within this year.
Mofidur Rahman addressed concerns about the behavior of airport staff, highlighting that 19 training sessions have been conducted for them.
The Executive Director of Shahjalal International Airport is personally involved in providing instructions, and strict actions, including removal and fines, have been taken against those who misbehave.
Regarding reports of alleged demands for money from passengers by Ansar members, the chairman clarified that such incidents are not true. Any substantiated cases have resulted in the immediate termination of the personnel involved.
The chairman acknowledged the manpower limitations and mentioned that additional personnel from other organizations are sometimes employed for security purposes. Efforts are underway to counsel and educate these individuals, and the chairman has engaged with the director general of Ansar on the matter.
To improve airport management, the chairman emphasized the need to prioritize services for individuals with special needs, war veterans, the elderly, and children, aiming to create a more inclusive and supportive environment at the airport.
Regarding the establishment of Saidpur airport as a regional hub, the chairman explained that a master plan has been developed, including designated areas for acquisition.
However, due to the current economic situation, the government faces challenges in allocating the required funds of Tk 5,000 crore for the project.Regarding the construction of Bangabandhu Airport, the chairman clarified that although a feasibility study has been conducted, the project is currently suspended.
The government's focus is primarily on ongoing projects aimed at increasing the capacity of existing airports, but the Bangabandhu Airport project may be revisited in the future if necessary.
In conclusion, the chairman urged the media to present objective and accurate information, emphasizing the upcoming full-scale audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2024.
The chairman highlighted that any inaccuracies in news reporting could have a negative impact on the audit's outcome and the reputation of the aviation sector in Bangladesh.
The event was attended by various members of the CAAB, including Air Commodore Sadikur Rahman Chowdhury (Planning), Shah Kausar Ahmed Chowdhury (ATM), Md. Mahbub Alam Talukdar (Administration), Group Captain Abu Saleh Mahmud Mannafi (Security), Chief Engineer Md. Abdul Malek, among others.
