China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC), a Chinese state-owned enterprise, has formally expressed its interest in constructing the Khan Jahan Ali Airport in Khulna, a project that has remained delayed for three decades.
Following a visit to the project site by a Chinese delegation on 25 July, the company sent a letter to the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) on 30 July, proposing four possible models for implementing the project.
The proposed options include a Government-to-Government (G2G) soft loan, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement, or a comprehensive design, procurement, construction and financing model. The Chinese company said the preferred approach could be finalised through mutual discussions.
During the visit, Peter, a member of the Chinese delegation, expressed satisfaction with the project area.
He said, “We have inspected the project site. We will discuss the matter with the relevant departments of the Bangladesh government. We are sincere about implementing this project.”
The proposed airport is located in Foila area of Rampal upazila in Bagerhat, about 22 kilometres from the Khulna city. The project has a long and complicated history.
Initially, 18 acres of land were acquired, and the foundation stone was laid by then prime minister Khaleda Zia on 27 January 1996. However, work stopped after the completion of soil filling.
The project was revived in 2015 with an estimated cost of Tk455 crore. A further 529 acres of land were acquired in August 2018. However, the project was later suspended following a negative feasibility report submitted by an Indian firm.
The renewed interest from the Chinese state-owned company has been welcomed by local businessmen, public representatives and development workers in the region.
SM Shafiqul Alam Mona, chairman of the Khulna Development Authority, said that following the receipt of the Chinese company’s letter, the CAAB will determine the next course of action.
