The government has yet to hold accountable the individuals who enabled Tk8,441 crore corruption in the Third Terminal Project of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport through their initiatives, signatures and approvals.

An analysis of nearly 7,000 pages of contracts, orders, bills, letters, audit reports and settlement papers by TIMES of Bangladesh found documented roles of officials from the Awami League, interim and BNP governments, state agencies, international consultants and contractors in controversial decisions.

Instead of launching independent administrative or criminal investigations, a section within the current government is allegedly moving to legitimise the irregularities while pursuing the Tk26,000 crore operation and security contract of the terminal.

The investigation found that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project financier, recommended appointing a Japanese company to operate the terminal. Following Jica’s recommendation, Mitsubishi Corporation submitted a proposal to the Public Private Partnership Authority, but the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab) rejected it due to a lack of experience.

Later, Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Nippon Koei and Narita International Airport Corporation formed a consortium and expressed interest in operating the terminal for 15 years. Nippon Koei was also identified as one of the entities involved in the project’s irregularities.

Sheikh Bashir further told TIMES that syndicates had been spreading false accusations against him for his actions against the aviation syndicate during his tenure.

According to documents, then Caab Chairman Muhammad Mafidur Rahman signed the main construction agreement with Aviation Dhaka Consortium (ADC) on 14 January 2020. He also led the contractor selection and contract finalisation process as chairman of the tender evaluation committee.

When he retired in June 2024, around 99 per cent of physical work had been completed and the contractor had received Tk14,363 crore in bills. This means most irregularities took place during his tenure. However, Mafidur denied responsibility, saying all project conditions had already been finalised before he took charge.

He blamed the then government, saying it had failed to properly scrutinise the terms or negotiate effectively with the Japanese authorities.

Project Director AKM Maksudul Islam, Chief Engineer Sudhendu Bikash Goswami, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Professor Ishtiaque Ahmed, Caab Member Mizanur Rahman and ministry Joint Secretary Mosharraf Hossain were also involved in the tender evaluation process.

Nuruddin declined to comment on the allegations against him. Meanwhile, despite being contacted three times, Caab Chairman Mostafa Mahmood delayed responding to questions regarding irregularities in the project on various pretexts. The consultant firm NOCID JV, contractor ADC and Jica also declined to comment.

The TIMES investigation also found that the contractor received Tk5,037 crore in excess payments under its contract with Caab. A state audit found that Caab paid thousands of crores of taka without the mandatory approvals, based on recommendations from the consultant and approvals by the project director.

The June 2025 audit recommended action against responsible Caab officials, including the project director, and the international consultant firm. However, neither the interim government nor the BNP government acted on the recommendation.

However, no visible action has been taken. Government documents show who signed and approved the decisions. Under Bangladesh’s existing laws, officials found guilty of knowingly providing illegal financial benefits to contractors may face up to life imprisonment, while contractors and consultants may be barred from future government projects.