The development project of Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, budgeted at Tk 2,116 crore, is significantly delayed, with only 22.5% of the work completed. Since its initiation, the project has faced numerous setbacks, prompting repeated extensions and likely cost increases. The contractor, Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG), received Tk 212 crores in advance for equipment mobilization, yet design defects have stalled progress.
A recent report from the Implementation and Monitoring Evaluation Department (IMED) highlighted discrepancies and raised concerns about a loss of Tk 1 crore 35 lakh due to various issues. Internal disputes between the contractor and Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) have compounded the problem, with both sides blaming each other for the delays.
Originally approved in November 2018, the project aimed to establish international standard facilities, including a fueling system and a full-fledged terminal.
Initially set for completion in 2022, the deadline has now been extended to December 2025.
Local business leaders and officials have raised alarms about irregularities and corruption linked to the project, calling for thorough investigations and accountability for those involved. Despite appointing directors to expedite the project, reports indicate non-cooperation from aviation authority officials.
The development of Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, budgeted at Tk 2,116 crores, is mired in controversy as the Chinese contractor, Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG), cites negligence by the supervising Civil Division-3 of the Engineering Branch. The contractor has raised concerns about the lack of oversight, claiming that this has jeopardized the project’s timely completion.
Internal sources from the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) have also pointed fingers at BUCG, stating that both the contractor and involved officials share responsibility for the delays. Despite these allegations, some officials believe that even with extended timelines, the overall costs may not significantly increase.
Originally approved in November 2018, the project aims to create international standard facilities, including a fueling system and terminal building. Work commenced in December 2020 with an expected completion date of 2022, but this has now been pushed to December 2025 due to ongoing issues.
An inspection report by the Implementation and Monitoring Evaluation Department (IMED) revealed significant financial irregularities, including a loss of Tk 64 lakh due to improper billing and an additional Tk 69 lakh linked to illegal payments to the contractor. The report has prompted the aviation ministry to instruct CAAB to take corrective actions and submit updates on the project’s progress.
Local business leaders, including Abdul Jabbar Jalil, have submitted a memorandum highlighting concerns about irregularities, stating that the contractor has yet to provide accountability for the advance payments received. Allegations suggest that the project’s design was deliberately flawed to facilitate embezzlement, leading to additional costs estimated at Tk 800 crore.
Furthermore, the memorandum claims critical components such as boarding bridges and fire safety facilities were omitted from the project design to benefit the contractor. Calls for thorough investigations into these irregularities have intensified as stakeholders demand accountability to expedite the project’s completion and enable operations at Osmani Airport.
Project director Md. Maidur Rahman acknowledged that while the cost may slightly increase, the specific amount is undetermined. He confirmed that only 22.5% of the work has been completed and reaffirmed the commitment to finish by 2025, despite being unaware of the audit objections raised.
As the project struggles to gain momentum, the potential cost could balloon to Tk 2,916 crores, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility and effective project management. Airport expansion director Md. Maidur Rahman acknowledged the slow progress but emphasized efforts to complete the work by 2025, while also indicating a lack of awareness regarding the audit objections, industry insiders opined.
