A state-of-the-art radar system has been launched at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, marking a significant step forward in strengthening Bangladeshโs airspace safety and air traffic management. Officials say the new system will make flight operations safer, more efficient, and better coordinated.
According to aviation authorities, the radar can monitor airspace up to 650 kilometers and extend surveillance over the sea up to around 800 kilometers. It also includes a fully automated air traffic management system, aligning Bangladesh with modern international aviation standards.
However, the launch has sparked a debate over who deserves credit for the project. Sources indicate that the planning of the radar system began in 2015, followed by tender processes, contractor selection, and technical preparations. In 2021, a contract was signed with the French technology company Thales Group. Installation, testing, and implementation were carried out over several years.
Officials involved in the project claim that most of the work was completed by early 2025. The total cost of the project is estimated at around BDT 950 crore, funded entirely by the governmentโs own resources and the revenue of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), without relying on foreign loans or aid.
The current government has recently inaugurated the system. However, critics argue that the majority of planning and implementation took place under the previous administration, raising questions about the allocation of credit.
Political analysts note that large infrastructure projects often span multiple governments. Therefore, credit should be assessed by considering all stagesโplanning, financing, implementation, and inauguration.
Experts also emphasize that the new radar system will significantly enhance Bangladeshโs airspace monitoring capability and ensure higher levels of aviation safety in line with global standards.
Amid the debate, public expectation remains that such critical national projects will contribute to long-term development, regardless of political differences.
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