BSS, Dhaka

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita yesterday said the government prefers to assign operational responsibility of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s 3rd terminal to the Japanese consortium through negotiations while safeguarding national interests.

Bangladesh and Japan yesterday held the second round of a high-level meeting to advance negotiations on the operation and maintenance of the 3rd terminal, signalling renewed momentum towards finalising the long-delayed deal.

“The discussions are now focused on the revenue-related aspects. Once we reach a mutual understanding on that, we will be able to arrive at a decision. So, we will sit down for discussions again,” Afroza told reporters after emerging from the meeting.

“We are repeatedly sitting at the table to safeguard national interests. We want to make the terminal operational as soon as possible,” the minister added.

At the meeting, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat urged the Japanese side to reconsider Bangladesh’s proposals and submit a revised offer, reiterating the government’s interest in working closely with Japan.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostofa Mahmood Siddiq, among others.

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