Dhaka, Aug 6 (V7N) - Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has said aviation security protocols must be applied equally to everyone, including VIPs and CIPs, stressing that no one should be exempt from airport security procedures.
The minister 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). She directed authorities to implement without delay the decisions taken at the committee's 13th meeting, the country's highest policymaking body on civil aviation security.
Referring to Bangladesh's upcoming ICAO security audit, Afroza said the country's international image would be closely linked to the audit outcome and instructed all relevant agencies to ensure full compliance with ICAO standards in areas where observations may arise.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government would install an Anti-Drone System to prevent unauthorized drone operations around airport areas. He noted that the NCASC meeting was held after nearly three years and stressed the need to maintain security equipment, including scanners, beyond minimum operational requirements to ensure uninterrupted security operations.
The meeting reviewed measures to strengthen Bangladesh's civil aviation security, including enhanced intelligence sharing, effective implementation of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, compliance with ICAO standards, deployment of modern security technologies, and strategic planning for future challenges.
The committee also stressed strengthening security at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport entry points, improving the Under Vehicle Scanning System (UVSS), and signing MoUs with relevant ministries to enhance contingency planning and crisis management at all civil airports.
It further called for stronger coordination among CAAB, APBn, Police, Ansar, and airport magistrates to address traffic congestion, unauthorized gatherings, begging, and illegal luggage-wrapping activities at HSIA's landside area, and recommended legal action where necessary to improve passenger services, maintain discipline, and strengthen overall airport security.
