No lease renewals for 16 firms at three airports: CAAB

The firms have been involved in tax evasion and abused political connections, an official says

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has decided not to renew the lease agreements with 16 commercial entities operating at three airports, including Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport.

As a result, these businesses will cease operations at the start of the 2025-26 fiscal year.

An CAAB official confirmed the decision to bdnews24.com.

bdnews24.com has also obtained a copy of the official directive ordering the termination of operations.

According to the order, 14 of the affected businesses operate at Shahjalal International Airport. These include: Aeros Trading, Sajal Enterprise, Mahbuba Traders, Nahar Construction, Aviation Transport Limited, A Five Roadway Limited, World Trust Tourist Car Services Co, Shirin Enterprise, Howlader & Sons, Othoi Enterprise, Olf Corporation, Arial Creative Space, Dhansiri Communication, Department S Consulting.

The other two firms are Falcon Agency at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport, and Falcon Airport Service Team at Nilphamari’s Saidpur Airport.

All lease agreements are set to expire at midnight on Monday, Jun 30.

CAAB formally notified the companies of this decision with a letter dispatched on Jun 29 and issued an official notice on Monday.

According to the anonymous CAAB official, “These firms have been accused of tax evasion and securing leases by abusing political connections during the Awami League regime. Some of the business owners are even in hiding.”

He added, “Taking all of this into account, a decision has been made not to renew their contracts.”