The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has accused the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) of a decade-long failure to act on the demolition of 525 illegally constructed high-rise buildings within flight restriction zones around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Tejgaon Airport.
At a press conference held at CAAB headquarters in Kurmitola, Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mustafa Mahmud Siddique revealed that the structures had been erected over the past ten years in direct violation of aviation safety regulations.
He stressed that CAAB has repeatedly urged RAJUK to take enforcement action, but no meaningful steps have been taken.
“We have sent multiple letters to RAJUK calling for the demolition of these illegal buildings,” said Air Vice Marshal Siddique. “Yet, no concrete action has been taken so far. Since CAAB does not have the authority to carry out demolitions, it is now RAJUK’s responsibility to ensure compliance with safety standards.”
The CAAB chairman warned that unauthorised construction in proximity to airports poses a serious threat to flight safety, particularly during critical take-off and landing phases.
The issue gained public attention during a previous press briefing on July 21, following the crash of an Air Force fighter jet into a building at Milestone School and College in Uttara. Journalists questioned whether illegal high-rises in the area had contributed to the incident.
In response, the CAAB chairman clarified that there are no unauthorised high-rise structures around the school’s campus.
“There is approved permission to construct buildings up to 150 feet in that area, and the tallest structure on site is 135 feet,” he said, confirming that the buildings comply with height regulations.
On the development of Terminal 3 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the chairman noted that a formal opening date has not yet been finalised.
“Construction and development work are progressing at full pace,” he said. “We are currently in discussions with the Japanese consortium regarding the operation and management of the new terminal. Once an agreement is reached, it will be formally signed.”
Once operational, Terminal 3 is expected to significantly boost passenger capacity and modernise airport infrastructure, supporting Bangladesh’s growing aviation needs.
CAAB has iterated its call for strict enforcement of building height restrictions near airports, urging RAJUK and other relevant authorities to act swiftly to safeguard air navigation and public safety.