Malaysia has written to Bangladesh that it wants to provide up to $6 billion for the construction of the proposed Bangabandhu International Airport.
A delegation of the Malaysian government, led by special envoy for South Asia Dato Seri S Samy Vellu, submitted the proposal to Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Faruk Khan on Wednesday.
The delegation expressed its interest to invest $5-6 billion in the project to build the airport, the Minister said.
“Malaysia will move to invest in the project if Bangladesh makes a final decision about the airport,” he said.
The Malaysian delegation was informed that the government shortlisted seven places to build the airport and would start the work if it gets fund, Khan said.
The government had to step back from building the airport at Arial Bill in Munshiganj amid protests by local people.
Khan said the airport would be built under Public Private Partnership (PPP).
The minister said Bangladesh needed a new airport to accommodate increasing air traffic.
“A total of 7.5 million Bangladeshis are working abroad. The government has a plan to send five million more. The demand of domestic flights is increasing too,” he said.
Malaysia also expressed its eagerness to inject money for the development of Shahjalal International Airport, the minister said.
He also urged them to invest in tourism sector and help improve tourism infrastructure in Kuakata and Cox’s Bazar.
bdnews24.com/
Leave a Reply