Mongla, July 26 (V7N) — A delegation from a Chinese company has visited the proposed site of Khan Jahan Ali Airport in Rampal Upazila of Bagerhat to assess the feasibility of constructing the long-awaited project.

The Chinese representatives inspected the project area on Saturday afternoon. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Adviser Lion Dr Sheikh Faridul Islam and representatives from various government agencies were present during the visit.

The proposed airport project has remained stalled for several decades due to various complexities. The foundation stone for the airport was laid around 30 years ago by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and 75 acres of land were acquired initially for the project.

During the previous Awami League government, more than 500 additional acres of land were acquired for the airport. Some preliminary work, including boundary wall construction and land-filling activities, was also completed. However, despite attempts to implement the project under a public-private partnership model, no company or organisation showed interest in taking forward the construction, resulting in delays.

Speaking during the visit, Dr Sheikh Faridul Islam said the construction of the airport would contribute significantly to regional economic growth. He said the project would enhance the capacity of Mongla Port and support the development of the blue economy, export processing zones (EPZs), economic zones, tourism centred around the Sundarbans, cargo transportation, and regional connectivity.

Among those present during the inspection were Khulna Development Authority (KDA) Administrator and Khulna District BNP Convener Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona, Bagerhat District Council Administrator and BNP leader Barrister Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Chinese company representative Peter, and other local leaders.

After visiting the proposed airport site, Chinese representative Peter expressed satisfaction with the project area. “I have inspected the project site. We will discuss the matter with the relevant government departments, and we are sincere about moving forward,” he said.

Authorities said the visit was part of ongoing efforts to explore possibilities for restarting the stalled airport construction project.

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