Bangladesh has stepped up efforts to strengthen aviation security as the reconstituted National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) held its first meeting on Thursday, with authorities stressing full compliance with international safety standards ahead of an upcoming audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) in Dhaka, was chaired by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroz Khanam, who serves as president of the committee. State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended as vice-president.
Addressing the meeting, the minister directed authorities to expedite the implementation of decisions taken at the committee’s 13th meeting, noting that Bangladesh’s image would be closely linked to the outcome of the forthcoming ICAO security audit.
“We must ensure compliance with all areas that may come under ICAO observation,” she said, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to strengthen the country’s civil aviation security framework.
The minister also underscored that security protocols must be applied equally to everyone, including VIPs and CIPs, saying no exceptions should be made in ensuring airport security.
Highlighting passenger welfare as a government priority, she called on all concerned agencies to work together to improve services, particularly for expatriate Bangladeshis using the country’s airports.
State Minister Millat said the government would take initiatives to install an anti-drone system to prevent unauthorized drone operations around airport areas.
Noting that the NCASC meeting was held after nearly three years, he stressed the importance of ensuring effective implementation of its decisions. He also called for maintaining adequate numbers of security equipment, including scanners, beyond the minimum operational requirement.
The state minister instructed members of the law enforcement agencies to take strict action against any violations of aviation security laws.
The meeting discussed a wide range of measures aimed at making Bangladesh’s civil aviation security system more effective, coordinated and compliant with international standards.
Participants emphasized enhancing intelligence sharing among security and intelligence agencies to address emerging threats, ensuring effective implementation of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, complying with ICAO security standards, introducing modern security technologies and equipment at airports, reviewing existing security policies, and adopting strategic measures to tackle future security challenges.
Special importance was also given to strengthening security at the entry points of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, assessing the effectiveness of the Under Vehicle Scanning System (UVSS) installed at key access points, and signing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with relevant ministries and agencies to improve contingency and crisis management at all civil airports across the country.
The committee further stressed the need for stronger coordination among CAAB, the Airport Armed Police Battalion (APBn), Bangladesh Police, Ansar and the airport magistrate to address traffic congestion, uncontrolled crowds, begging and illegal luggage-wrapping activities in the landside area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The meeting recommended taking legal action where necessary to improve passenger services, maintain order and enhance overall airport security.
