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PM Inaugurates HSIA 3rd Terminal with Grandeur
In a much-anticipated moment, the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport had its soft opening on a Saturday morning, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of Bangladesh’s aviation sector. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the state-of-the-art terminal, which stands as one of the most remarkable achievements among the ‘mega projects’ undertaken by the Awami League government.
Upon her arrival at the terminal, she was warmly received by State Minister for Civil Aviation Md Mahbub Ali. A delightful troupe of children greeted her with traditional dances and Bangla songs, and the Prime Minister graciously took pictures with them.
Subsequently, she embarked on a tour of the magnificent terminal, where she was briefed by Air Vice Marshal Mafidur Rahman, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), about various aspects of the facility. To further emphasize the importance of this development, the Prime Minister participated in a dress rehearsal of the immigration process, including luggage checking and receiving a boarding pass. Once the formalities were complete, a special flight operated by the state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines took off from Dhaka, utilizing the newly constructed terminal.
According to the CAAB chairman, Terminal 3, a key component of the Shahjalal International Airport Expansion Project (Phase I), is nearing completion, with approximately 90 percent of its construction done. Besides the main terminal, the cargo complex, encompassing both export and import facilities, is also reaching its final stages and is expected to become operational by March or April.
Terminal 3 is poised to revolutionize the passenger experience with its cutting-edge facilities and options. It boasts 37 aircraft parking spaces, 26 boarding bridges (12 of which will be launched in October), and 115 check-in counters, including 15 self-service kiosks, promising a smoother journey for travelers departing from or arriving in Dhaka.
The terminal’s layout includes a ground-floor baggage handling system, a second-floor departure lounge and boarding bridge, as well as extensive duty-free shops and exit lounges. Once fully operational, Terminal 3 will have the capacity to serve a staggering 12 million passengers annually, a significant boost from the current capacity of 8 million passengers per year. Additionally, it offers amenities such as a multi-story car parking facility, customs hall, VIP and VVIP passenger areas, and a transit passenger lounge.
This three-storey terminal, designed by Rohani Baharin from the internationally acclaimed CPG Corporation (Private) Limited Singapore, boasts a spacious floor area of 230,000 square meters. Notably, Baharin’s portfolio includes the renowned third terminal of Singapore’s Changi Airport and Ahmedabad’s new international airport.
The project’s second phase will encompass the construction of a corridor and a multi-level car parking building with 1,350 parking spaces. In terms of passenger convenience, the new terminal introduces automated passport control or e-gates, reducing waiting times. Passengers can choose between self-immigration via the e-gates or assistance from one of the 56 exit immigration counters. Advanced safety measures include a modern fire-fighting system and enhanced security screening processes.
The terminal also features movie lounges, food courts, airline lounges, world-class duty-free shops, and facilities like Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations, prayer areas, and a Meeters and Greeters Plaza. Special provisions have been made for mothers, including breastfeeding booths, diaper-changing areas, and a family bathroom, while children have a dedicated play area.
Originally estimated at Tk 13,610.47 crore, the project received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in October 2017. Subsequently, the project’s vision expanded, leading to a world-class facility that holds the potential to transform the aviation sector in the long term. The final approved cost for the project stands at Tk 21,400 crore.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japanese government’s international development agency, has played a leading role in financing the project, with a consortium of three renowned international firms—Mitsubishi, Samsung C & T (the construction arm of Samsung), and Fujita JV—contracted to execute it. Notably, this marks Samsung C & T’s first project in Bangladesh, a company known for its involvement in iconic international landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Taipei 101, and the Petronas Towers.
Weekly Dhaka Stock Exchange, DSE, Dhaka Bourse has seen a negative performance in Indices, Turnover & Market Capitalization throughout the whole week, This information was disclosed in the weekly market review from the DSE.
According to sources, (5 working days) the turnover of DSE lost by Tk 3 thousand 289 crore 7 lakh (August 18 – August 22). At the same time, the market capitalization has decreased by 16 thousand 132 crore 59 lakh taka.
The benchmark index ‘DSEX’ lost by 203.92 points or 3.45 percent, in the outgoing week. At the end of the week, the index stands at 5,699 points. The Shariah-based index ‘DSES’ dropped 45.64 points or 3.61 percent and therefore the index stands at 1,264 points. The blue-chip index ‘DS30’ decreased by 88.76 points or 4.07 percent, hence the index stands at 2,090 points.
Shares and units worth 3 thousand 122 crore 5 lakh taka were traded in Dhaka Stock Exchange. At the end of the week, the market capitalization stood at 6 lakh 92 thousand 831 crore 80 lakh taka.
Shares and units of 394 companies were traded on Bourse during the week. Of these, 5 shares were unchanged, 357 companies declined, and 32 companies advanced.
Grameenphone Limited has ranked at the top of weekly trading on DSE. The Company records an average turnover of 57 crore 69 lakh taka.
Midland Bank PLC ranked at the top of weekly gainers on DSE. The share has risen 12.09 percent to its highest price.
SEML FBLSL Growth Fund has ranked at the top of weekly losers on DSE. The unit has dropped 14.52 percent lowest in the last week.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today offered solace to the families of those killed during the chaos instigated by BNP-Jamaat terrorists, who exploited the recent quota reform movement. The grieving families met her at her official residence, Ganabhaban.
Among the bereaved were the family members of Abu Sayeed, a student from the English Department at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR), along with 33 other families. Sheikh Hasina presented them with saving certificates and cash as a gesture of assistance.
The sight of the prime minister brought the grieving families to tears. As each family member approached Sheikh Hasina, their emotions overflowed, and they broke down crying.
The prime minister, visibly moved, also struggled to contain her emotions. Tears streamed down her face as she listened to their stories, and she appeared deeply distressed.
In her attempt to console the families, Sheikh Hasina shared her own pain, saying, “Look at me, I am living with so much pain.” She reassured them of her support, expressing that she, too, understands the agony of losing loved ones. “It’s my misery that I have to see your tears,” she continued.
The atmosphere at Ganabhaban was heart-wrenching, filled with grief and shared sorrow.
Present at the event were Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, with Prime Minister’s Office Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin moderating the proceedings.
Abu Sayeed’s father Makbul Hossain, mother Monwara Begum, and other relatives traveled from Rangpur to Dhaka and attended the gathering at Ganabhaban.
Abu Sayeed, a 12th batch student in the English Department at BRUR, died on July 16 during the quota reform movement in Rangpur. Earlier, on July 26, the BRUR administration provided financial support to Sayeed’s family, delivering a cheque of Taka 750,000 to his parents in Pirganj, Rangpur.
Dhaka Stock Market DSE, Bourse on the first working day of the week, 28th July, ended with a drop in Indices and Turnover from the previous working session. This information is known from DSE sources.
488 crore 38 lakh taka shares were traded on this day. 8 crore 96 lakh less tradings were done in DSE today compared to the previous workday, July 25th, Shares worth Tk 497 crores 34 lakh shares were traded last time, Thursday.
The benchmark DSEX decreased 29.92 points or 5,383 The Shariah-based index DSES lost 5.65 points or 1,177 and the blue-chip index DS30 dropped by 11.51 points or 1,951.
Of the issues traded, 88 advanced, 261 declined and 43 remained unchanged.
Techno Drugs Limited ranked top gainer on DSE, the share price increased by Tk 4.20 paisa or 9.93 percent. On this day, the share was last traded at Tk 46.50 paisa.
Shurwid Industries Limited ranked top loser on the DSE, the share price dropped by Tk 0.30 paisa or 3.00 percent. On this day, the share was last traded at Tk 9.70 paisa.
DSE topped on trade is Agni Systems Limited 28 crore 71 lakh takas of company shares have been traded.
A total of 33 companies’ shares were traded in the Block on Dhaka Stock Exchange. A total of 1 crore 31 lakh 74 thousand 737 shares of the companies were traded. The financial value of which is 30 crore 93 lakh taka
