JICA Chief Representative in Bangladesh ICHIGUCHI Tomohide met with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita), MP, at her office this afternoon. Photo: Ministry

DHAKA, March 9, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh today sought Japan International 
Cooperation Agency's (JICA) assistance to expedite the commencement of 
operations of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport 
(HSIA). 

The appeal was made when JICA Chief Representative in Bangladesh ICHIGUCHI 
Tomohide paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza 
Khanam (Rita), MP, at her office this afternoon, according to a press release 
issued by the ministry.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was 
also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized further strengthening the 
longstanding bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan and discussed 
ongoing cooperation in aviation and development sectors.

The minister highlighted the importance of JICA's continued support for major 
aviation infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, particularly the early 
operationalisation of the third terminal of HSIA.

The JICA chief representative assured that the agency would continue to 
extend maximum cooperation to support the development initiatives of the 
current government of Bangladesh.

He also reaffirmed JICA's commitment to providing necessary assistance for 
the development of Bangladesh's tourism sector.

The meeting also discussed ways to expand collaboration between the two 
countries in aviation, infrastructure and tourism development.