VIPs, CIPs to Face Same Airport Security : Afroza

Online Desk : Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on Thursday said aviation security procedures must be applied equally to everyone, including VIPs and CIPs, stressing that no one should be exempt from airport security screening.

She made the remarks while chairing the first meeting of the reconstituted National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) at the headquarters of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

The minister directed the authorities concerned to implement without delay the decisions taken at the committee’s 13th meeting, the country’s highest policymaking and coordinating body on civil aviation security.

Referring to Bangladesh’s upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) security audit, Afroza said the country’s international reputation would be closely linked to the outcome of the assessment. She instructed all relevant agencies to ensure full compliance with ICAO security standards in areas where observations may arise.

She also said ensuring quality passenger service remains a government priority and urged all stakeholders to work together to improve services, particularly for Bangladeshi expatriate travellers.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government would install an anti-drone system to prevent unauthorised drone operations around airport areas.

Noting that the NCASC meeting was held after nearly three years, he urged all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of its decisions.

Millat also stressed the importance of maintaining security equipment, including scanners, above minimum operational requirements to ensure uninterrupted airport security operations. He instructed law enforcement agencies to take strict action against any violations of aviation security laws.

The meeting reviewed a range of measures to strengthen Bangladesh’s civil aviation security framework, including enhanced intelligence sharing, effective implementation of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, compliance with ICAO standards, deployment of modern security technologies and long-term planning to address future security challenges.

The committee also emphasised strengthening security at the entry points of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), improving the effectiveness of the Under Vehicle Scanning System (UVSS), and signing memorandums of understanding with relevant ministries and agencies to enhance contingency planning and crisis management at all civil airports.

It further called for stronger coordination among CAAB, the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), Bangladesh Police, Ansar, airport magistrates and other agencies to address traffic congestion, unauthorised gatherings, begging and illegal luggage-wrapping activities in the landside area of HSIA.

The committee recommended legal action where necessary to improve passenger services, maintain discipline and further strengthen airport security.