Bangladesh, Japan hold fresh talks on HSIA third terminal

Bangladesh and Japan on Friday held a high-level meeting to advance negotiations on the operation and maintenance of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, signalling renewed momentum toward finalising a long-delayed deal.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, among others.

Senior officials including the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority also joined the discussions.

The Japanese delegation was led by Assistant Vice Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Nakayama Rieko.

Officials said the meeting focused on operational and financial aspects of the terminal management, as both sides seek to resolve outstanding issues and move towards a mutually acceptable agreement.

The latest round follows an earlier meeting held on 13 March, marking continued high-level engagement aimed at bringing the nearly completed terminal into operation.