Dhaka airport third terminal: CAAB to take control with key infrastructure still missing

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is scheduled to take control of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka from Saturday, but key pieces of infrastructure for the terminal are still missing. The missing infrastructure includes a distributed antenna system (DAS) and an integrated security system. The contractor is Mitsubishi Corporation. The DAS system, which ensures that the coverage of mobile networks can be extended inside solid constructions, was missing in the original project profile. The omission came to light before the soft opening of the third terminal in October of last year. Additionally, the terminal lacks an integrated security system, raising concerns about potential security vulnerabilities. Past incidents, such as an underage child boarding an aircraft without proper security checks, underscore the urgency of addressing these deficiencies. In conversation with Dhaka Tribune, officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and CAAB questioned how such critical aspects were overlooked in the project planning phase. A recent investigation by Dhaka Tribune revealed that CAAB has undertaken modifications to the terminal's interior design due to the inability to install the DAS system as per the original specifications. This deviation is expected to incur additional costs. Despite initial denials of responsibility from CAAB, efforts have been made to rectify the situation. Asiatic 360, a service company, has been commissioned to provide partial mobile network coverage within the terminal, albeit as a temporary measure. CAAB has reportedly also approached the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) regarding installing the DAS system. Experts have raised concerns about the lack of tendering processes and agreements governing the installation and maintenance of the DAS system, potentially compromising the quality and security of the infrastructure. Efforts to reach the CAAB chairman for comment have been unsuccessful, although officials said discussions addressing the oversight have taken place between CAAB and Mitsubishi Corporation, the contracted firm. On March 4, a top official of the contracted firm said: "We are a construction company specializing in ground improvement works and are not interested in antenna systems." Experts emphasize the critical role of the DAS system in maintaining security and operational efficiency at the airport. Without proper network coverage, the ability to monitor passenger activities and ensure safety measures is severely compromised. Aviation expert Wabidullah Mahmud told Dhaka Tribune: “Unfortunately for us, a long-awaited expansion of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Terminal 3 is a mega project for Bangladesh to impact the growth of the economy. We saw the same petty irregularities observed in many other projects sanctioned by the government with technical flaws, resulting in rectification at a higher cost, adding not only additional expenses but also the predicament of undoing and redoing part of the construction.”
Published on: 2024-04-06 05:29:42.213022 +0200 CEST