525 high-rises illegally constructed along approach paths of HSIA and old airport runways over past decade: CAAB
At least 525 high-rise buildings have been illegally constructed over the past decade along the approach paths of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the old Tejgaon airport runways, without proper approval.
CAAB Chief Flags 525 Illegal High-Rises in Airport Approach Paths, Urges Rajuk Action
Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, revealed today that at least 525 high-rise buildings have been built without approval over the past decade along the approach paths of Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and the old Tejgaon airport runways.
Speaking at a media briefing at the CAAB headquarters in Kurmitola, the CAAB chief said the authority lacks the jurisdiction to demolish these unauthorised structures.
"CAAB has been writing to Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) repeatedly over the past 10 years, as it is their responsibility to take action against such buildings," said Siddiq.
The issue has drawn renewed attention following the deadly crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training jet on July 21, which struck Milestone School and College in the capital’s Diabari area, killing at least 35 people and injuring many others.
However, CAAB officials clarified at the briefing that there are no unauthorised high-rises near the Milestone compound. Group Captain Md Noor-e-Alam, CAAB's Air Traffic Management member, noted that the maximum permitted building height in the area is 150 feet, while the tallest structure near the school is 135 feet.
Addressing concerns raised by aviation experts about conducting military jet training over densely populated areas, the CAAB chairman clarified that while the HSIA runway is used for take-offs and landings, the actual training paths lie outside Dhaka’s airspace.
On the much-anticipated launch of Terminal 3 at HSIA, Air Vice Marshal Siddiq said no specific date has been fixed yet but assured that efforts are underway to make it operational soon. Discussions are ongoing with the Japanese consortium on managing the terminal, and a formal agreement will be signed once both parties reach consensus, he added.
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