Restriction on direct cargo flight to the UK may go within next 15 days as fruitful discussions were held between the authorities of the two countries.
Chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on civil aviation ministry Faruk Khan told the media on Sunday after emerging from the committee's 34th meeting held at the parliament.
"The UK has expressed their satisfaction over the security check situation at Dhaka airport by conducting different audits time to time. So, they (UK) are expected to lift the ban within next 15 days," said Faruk Khan.
He further said the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has already fulfilled the conditions set by the UK authority during the visit of Rashed Khan Menon to London in December last.
On the other hand, Mr Khan refuted the allegation of awarding tourism development works to Orion Group 'secretly' and in a 'non-transparent' way under public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements. The work was offered under PPP in his tenure, but no response was received from any party other than Orion Group, he mentioned.
Regarding revenue earnings, he said Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) would be able to earn Tk 16 billion within 50 years from this PPP project where a modern tourism will be built.
He also said as per the condition, the government has awarded the development work for 50 years. The government will remain the owner of land and get back the property after the tenure.
The committee suggested that it should be ensured that the ownership of the land of Hotel Shaibal is not changed after awarding it under PPP and that the leasee follows all the conditions set by BPC. It also suggested keeping a provision of fine, if necessary and reviewing the conditions of PPP of other countries.
Besides, the committee recommended the authorities concerned taking necessary steps to start development work of Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali Airport in Bagerhat by acquiring land and solve other infrastructural problems being faced by other airports.
The committee asked Biman to take necessary steps to solve the booking problem as passengers don't get tickets but seats remain empty in both local and international flights. Besides, Biman should take steps to inform the passengers in case of flight delay, the committee added.
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