The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has revealed that at least 525 high-rise buildings have been illegally constructed in the approach paths of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and the old Tejgaon Airport runways over the past decade.
CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq disclosed the information during a media briefing at the CAAB headquarters in Kurmitola today.
The CAAB chief stated that while these buildings violate aviation safety regulations, the authority lacks the power to demolish them.
“We have repeatedly notified Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) over the past 10 years, as it is their responsibility to take action against unauthorised constructions,” said Mostafa Mahmood.
The matter gained attention after a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Diabari on July 21, killing 35 people and injuring many others.
However, CAAB officials clarified that no illegal high-rises surround the crash site.
“The permitted height limit in that area is 150 feet, and the tallest nearby building stands at 135 feet,” said Member (Air Traffic Management) and Group Captain Md Noor-e-Alam.
Responding to concerns over military jet training in Dhaka’s airspace, the CAAB chairman stated: “Fighter jets only use HSIA’s runway for takeoff and landing. Their training zones are outside Dhaka’s airspace.”
Regarding the much-awaited Terminal 3 at HSIA, the CAAB chief did not confirm an exact date but said: “Efforts are ongoing to make it fully operational soon. Discussions with the Japanese consortium are progressing, and an agreement will be signed once finalised.”
