Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq today said that at least 525 high-rise buildings have been constructed illegally within the designated no-fly zones surrounding Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. 

Addressing an interaction with the media at the CAAB headquarters in the capital, the chairman said these structures were built without necessary clearance from the aviation regulator, posing potential risks to flight safety.

"CAAB does not have the authority to demolish structures. We have repeatedly communicated with RAJUK (Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha) in this regard. It is now their responsibility to take appropriate action against these unauthorised constructions," he said.

Earlier during the press conference, the CAAB chief had stated that the number of unauthorised buildings was 263, but later issued a correction to the media, revising the figure to 525.

The issue has gained renewed attention in the wake of a recent tragic plane crash on the Milestone School campus in the Diabari area of Uttara, which claimed the lives of 35 people and left scores injured.

However, responding to media queries, CAAB officials clarified that no unauthorised high-rise structures exist in the immediate vicinity of the Milestone campus.

"The maximum permissible height in that area is 150 feet, and the tallest building there currently stands at 135 feet," an official said.

On the progress of the much-anticipated third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the CAAB chairman refrained from providing a specific inauguration date.

However, he assured that efforts are underway to make the terminal fully functional soon.

He also informed that discussions are ongoing with the Japanese consortium tasked with managing the new terminal's operations.
"Once both parties reach consensus, a formal agreement will be signed," he added.

The chairman also informed that the upgrading work of Cox's Bazar Airport is at the final stage and will be completed soon.