A delegation from a Chinese company visited the proposed site of the Khan Jahan Ali Airport in Rampal, Bagerhat, on Saturday to assess the feasibility of the long-awaited airport project.

The visit was attended by State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, Administrator of the Khulna Development Authority (KDA) and Khulna District BNP Convener Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona, Bagerhat Zila Parishad Administrator Barrister Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Chinese representative Mr. Peter, and other officials and local leaders.

According to sources, the foundation stone of the Khan Jahan Ali Airport was laid around three decades ago by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and approximately 75 acres of land were initially acquired for the project. During the tenure of the previous Awami League government, more than 500 additional acres were acquired, while boundary wall construction and partial land development were also carried out. However, the project remained stalled due to various administrative and investment-related challenges.

The previous government attempted to implement the airport under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, but no local or foreign company came forward to invest, delaying the project's execution.

Speaking during the visit, State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam said the airport would play a significant role in accelerating the economic development of the country's south-western region. He noted that the project would enhance the operational capacity of Mongla Port, support the blue economy, boost activities in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and economic zones, promote tourism centred around the Sundarbans, facilitate cargo transportation, and improve regional connectivity.

After inspecting the project site, Chinese representative Mr. Peter expressed satisfaction with the location. He said the delegation would hold discussions with the relevant government authorities before making further decisions and reaffirmed their interest in the proposed airport project.