The airport would be built in Fayla under Rampal Upazila in Bagerhat district, some 20 kilometres south of Khulna city.
Recently, Caab floated an Expression of Interest in this regard. It has already shorlisted seven firms to pick one for the job.
It is a priority project of the present government which would cost around Tk544.75 crore.
The project is being undertaken by the Bangladeshi government in order to increase access to the nearby Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Mongla Economic Zone, Mongla Port and Rampal power plant as well as provide access to local tourism attractions.
Caab sources said after appointing a consultant, the government would take further steps to expedite the construction of new airport.
The project of Khan Jahan Ali Airport approved on May 5 last year at an ECNEC meeting is scheduled to be completed on June 2018.
A Caab official told the Dhaka Tribune the present government is constructing the Padma Bridge which would also open a new era of communication between Dhaka and Mongla.
“Economic activities in the southern part of the country is growing rapidly. Mongla EPZ would be vibrant as different countries are interested to invest here. Moreover, the government has undertaken a Coal-based power plant project considering a huge demand for power,” said the official.
Another official said the Sundarbans is an attractive place for tourists, specially feigners. The foreign nationals very often visit the Sundarbans by helicopter. New airport would contribute a lot to vibrant tourism and economic growth of the country.
Sources said Caab has already handed over Tk43 crore for acquiring land, according to the revised project.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
