263 unauthorized high-rise buildings violate airport no-fly zones: CAAB

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has identified 263 unauthorised high-rise buildings constructed around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the old Tejgaon airport over the past decade. The buildings fall within restricted no-fly zones and were built without required permissions, CAAB officials said Thursday.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq disclosed the information during a press briefing held at the CAAB headquarters. He stated that while CAAB has flagged the issue repeatedly, it lacks the legal authority to demolish such structures.

“We have written to RAJUK multiple times. Demolishing or taking legal action against unauthorized buildings is within their jurisdiction, not ours,” Siddiq said.

The chairman emphasized that the issue is now solely under the purview of RAJUK (Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha), the capital’s development authority, which is tasked with regulating and enforcing urban building codes.

In response to a question about recent safety concerns near the Milestone area, Siddiq clarified that there are no unapproved high-rise buildings in that zone.

“The maximum permitted height in the Milestone vicinity is 150 feet. The tallest structure there is 135 feet, which complies with the guidelines,” he confirmed.

On the long-awaited third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the CAAB chief did not announce a definitive opening date but said preparations are nearing completion.

Negotiations are still ongoing with the Japanese consortium regarding operational management of the terminal, he said. Once terms are finalized, a formal agreement is expected to be signed.

“We are working actively to bring the terminal into full operation very soon,” he added.

Urban planners and aviation experts have long raised concerns over unchecked development near the airport, warning that tall, unauthorized structures within flight paths can compromise aircraft safety, particularly during takeoff and landing.