Dhaka, March 11 -- The third terminal of Shahjalal International Airport could become operational within nine months, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat has said.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at the Secretariat, he said authorities estimate it will take between six and nine months to prepare the terminal for full operations.

Responding to questions about the timeline following instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to expedite the project, Millat said: "Even if we try to complete it quickly, our assessment shows it will take six to nine months. There is a possibility that it could be opened within nine months."

Five days after the BNP-led g...