DHAKA: The government has approved construction of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib International Airport project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), officials said.

The Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs Sunday approved the project in its meeting with Finance Minister AMA Muhith in the chair.   

A technical committee has estimated approximately Tk 50,000 crore for the project, acting secretary for Civil Aviation and Tourism Shafique Alam Mehedi told the meeting.

“The PPP has been planned as the government alone cannot manage such a huge amount of money," he said.

Earlier, a nine-member pre-technical committee was formed with a member of the Civil Aviation Authority as its head to implement the project, sources said.

The committee recommended three areas for the project:

1. Around 2600 hectares of land from Amirabari, Mokkhapur and Mathbary Union of Trisal of Mymensingh 2. Some 2600 hectares of land from Rampal, Kanahary, Kathal and Baila Union of Trisal of Mymensingh and 3. Vuapur Upazila of Tangail.

Law Minister Shafique Ahmed, Planning Minister AK Khandaker, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister GM Quader, Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain attended the meeting.

BDST: 1842 HRS, AUGUST 29, 2010.