CAAB statement regarding published report on the three airport development projects

We have taken note of the news report titled “Tk 500 Crore Spent with No Benefits; Three Airports at Security Risk”, published in a national daily on 5 July 2026. The report contains several claims regarding the runway development projects at Jashore, Saidpur, and Shah Makhdum (Rajshahi) Airports that do not accurately reflect the technical scope or implementation of the projects. As such, the report may create unnecessary public misunderstanding. To clarify the matter, the following factual information is provided.

The primary objective of the project is to strengthen the existing runways through overlay works, improve runway side strips, install new airfield ground lighting systems, and upgrade related infrastructure at Jashore, Saidpur, and Shah Makhdum Airports. The project's core aim is to ensure the safe take-off and landing of aircraft in response to the country's growing aviation demand. It is important to note that airport security enhancement is not within the scope of this project.

All three airports were originally constructed before or shortly after Bangladesh's independence, when domestic air traffic demand was relatively limited. Due to the limited land available at the time of construction, these airports do not currently meet the international standard requirements for Runway Side Strip and Runway End Safety Area (RESA). Meeting these standards requires additional land acquisition, which is outside the scope of the current project. However, the government is planning to acquire the necessary land under separate future initiatives.

Similar limitations exist at many domestic airports around the world. Such operational limitations and related procedures are officially published in each country's Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). The standards prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are intended to ensure safe operational procedures and do not, in themselves, indicate that airport safety is compromised.

The report's description of uneven runway surfaces also fails to consider the technical realities of runway rehabilitation works. During construction at operational airports, ICAO guidelines require the construction of temporary 1:120 transition ramps to safely accommodate differences in elevation between existing and newly overlaid runway surfaces. As a result, aircraft may experience minor, acceptable levels of vibration during take-off or landing. This is entirely normal and internationally recognized as part of standard runway construction practices. Once the final surface layer is completed, these temporary ramps are removed, and the runway surface becomes fully level.

The report also contains misleading information regarding runway lighting. Under the project, the existing outdated lighting system will be replaced with a modern airfield lighting system. However, in accordance with international construction practices, permanent runway lighting is installed only after the completion of major civil works to prevent damage during construction. At present, preparatory works, including cable-laying pits and associated infrastructure, are already in progress.

The project also includes upgrading the airports' internal drainage systems. Upon completion, the improved drainage network will be connected to the existing external drainage systems, significantly reducing the long-standing waterlogging problems at the airports.

The project is being supervised by renowned professors and engineering experts from leading engineering universities in Bangladesh. Overall project implementation has reached approximately 76 percent completion. Although progress at Jashore Airport is comparatively slower due to regular Bangladesh Air Force flight operations and limited NOTAM windows for construction, all project activities are scheduled to be completed within the approved project timeline by June 2027.

The report also presents incomplete information regarding the procurement of firefighting vehicles. These vehicles are planned to be procured during the final phase of the project to avoid unnecessary maintenance and fuel costs before they are operational, thereby ensuring efficient use of public funds.

Furthermore, the report claims that attempts were made to contact project officials but they could not be reached. This claim is entirely unfounded, as no such communication was made with the responsible officials regarding this project. Similarly, the report failed to mention that comprehensive responses, along with supporting documents, have already been submitted to the relevant audit authority regarding the audit observations, and the matter is currently under the formal settlement process.

In the interest of objective journalism and to ensure that the public receives accurate and factual information, we respectfully request the publication of this clarification in your esteemed newspaper.