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Immigration thru e-gates begins


Published : 08 Jun 2022 11:33 PM

Bangladesh has become the first country in Asia in operating e-gates at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). 

As e-gates become operational on Tuesday at HSIA, passengers with e-passports will be able to pass immigration in less than 20 seconds. HSIA executive director, Group Captain Kamrul Islam, confirmed to the media. 

Earlier on Monday, some passengers successfully completed immigration through e-gate on an experimental basis. 

After 338 days of the inauguration of such facilities, the passengers from now on will be able to complete immigration process through e-gate. 

HSIA executive director Group Captain Kamrul Islam said, “Passengers with e-passports completed immigration through the e-gate in 18 seconds. 12 e-gates have been launched in the departure area of Shahjalal Airport and 3 in the arrival area. 

Arrangements have been made to fully introduce e-gate for passengers. E-passport holders can go through the e-gate at the end of verification.” 

According to Department of Immigration and Passport Department (DIP) sources, the government plans to set up a total of 50 electronic gates at airports and land ports under the e-Passport and Automated Border Control (ABC) management project. 

Additional IGP (Special Branch) Monirul Islam and Project Director Brigadier General Sadat observed e-gate facilities and immigration process at immigration area of the airport.  

According to DIP, e-passport holders after keeping their passport in a certain place, the e-gate will open immediately. The camera will take pictures after standing under the gate at the specified time. After that, if all goes well, passengers will be able to pass immigration in a few seconds. 

But if someone makes a mistake, the red light will come on. Then the officials in charge will assist the person concerned to use the e-passport properly. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the e-passport and automatic border control system on January 22, 2020. On June 30, 2021, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal inaugurated the e-gate at HSIA.