In a significant move to bolster the nation’s aviation infrastructure, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued a formal directive to expedite the full operationalisation of the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). The announcement was made by the Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Afroza Khanam, following a high-level ministerial meeting on Sunday, 22 February 2026.
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Strategic Urgency for Aviation Growth
During the session held at the Cabinet Conference Room in the Secretariat, the Prime Minister underscored the necessity of making the state-of-the-art terminal functional to meet increasing international traffic demands. Minister Afroza Khanam informed the press that the premier is personally overseeing the progress to ensure that the facility, which represents a milestone in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development, is opened to the public without further undue delay.
Despite the Prime Minister’s firm stance, the ministry has remained cautious regarding a definitive launch date. When questioned by journalists, the Minister remarked, “The Prime Minister is keen to see the terminal operational as soon as possible. However, providing a specific date is currently unfeasible. We are entering a phase of rigorous assessment and coordination to identify the most efficient path forward.”
Addressing Previous Delays
A point of contention during the briefing was the fact that the terminal’s physical construction is reportedly over 99% complete, yet it remained dormant during the tenure of the previous interim administration. Addressing this, Minister Khanam noted that the current government is focused on rectifying past stagnancy. “Questions regarding the delay should have been directed at the previous authorities,” she stated, adding that the new administration is prioritising the resolution of any lingering technical or logistical hurdles.
Key Stakeholders and Oversight
The Prime Minister presided over the meeting, which was attended by several high-ranking officials and cabinet members to ensure a multi-sectoral approach to the terminal’s activation.
| Participant | Designation |
| Tarique Rahman | Honourable Prime Minister |
| Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury | Minister for Finance and Planning |
| Afroza Khanam | Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism |
| M. Rashiduzzaman Millat | State Minister |
| Air Vice Marshal M. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiqui | Chairman, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) |
Future Outlook
The Third Terminal is expected to double the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity, transforming Dhaka into a regional aviation hub. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is now tasked with finalising ground handling contracts and security protocols. As the government transitions from construction to the operational phase, the focus remains on maintaining international standards of safety and service, ensuring that the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Bangladesh’s transport sector finally serves its purpose.