The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has initiated the cancellation of 16 airport development projects worth Tk 3.21 billion, citing their unnecessary nature despite completed tender processes and signed contracts.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan told The Financial Express that a review found the projects redundant, prompting the decision to save public funds. The ministry has received a proposal for final approval.

The projects, approved during the previous Awami League administration, include constructing mosques, educational institutions, and residential buildings at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and other airports.

However, CAAB noted that these projects lacked proper development project proposals (DPPs), violating planning regulations. The finance ministry has also restricted spending on new buildings under the 2024-25 operating budget.

Contractors have opposed the move, alleging the cancellation is politically motivated because preferred bidders did not win the contracts. They argue restarting the process will be costly and time-consuming.

Key projects slated for cancellation include a 14-storey residential building in Dhaka’s Kurmitola, a stakeholder office at HSIA, and infrastructure at airports in Chattogram, Sylhet, and Bagerhat.

CAAB has sought government approval to reimplement necessary projects through revised procedures aligned with current regulations.