Dhaka, Oct 19 (V7N) – Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat today said the government would continue the newly introduced baggage-monitoring initiative at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) to ensure better passenger service in the long run.

"We will continue this initiative to ensure better service in the long run," he told journalists after visiting HSIA to inspect the baggage handling system. Millat said the newly installed monitoring system would help passengers receive their baggage more quickly while improving overall baggage management.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) recently installed 32 CCTV cameras and 18 large-screen monitors across eight baggage conveyor belt areas at the airport, allowing arriving passengers to watch the movement of their luggage in real time. Under the system, passengers can follow baggage handling from unloading at the aircraft through transportation and sorting to final delivery on the baggage reclaim belts. Live footage of different stages of the process is displayed on 65-inch monitors installed in baggage collection areas.

CAAB said the initiative was designed to strengthen baggage security, transparency and accountability while addressing passenger concerns over delays and luggage handling. The authority expects the system to particularly benefit expatriate Bangladeshis and other international travellers by giving them a clearer understanding of how their baggage is processed after arrival.

Third Terminal Agreement

Millat said the government would continue adopting technology-driven measures to make airport services more efficient, transparent and passenger-friendly. The minister also said an agreement with Japan for operation of HSIA's Third Terminal would be signed in the first week of November. A Japanese consortium is set to assume operation and maintenance responsibilities for the new terminal under the proposed arrangement.

Referring to passengers affected by disruptions on the Riyadh route, Millat said instructions had been issued to provide them with maximum possible assistance. All airlines recently suspended Dhaka-Riyadh and Dhaka-Dammam flights amid security concerns in Saudi Arabia, affecting a large number of travellers. Millat said the relevant authorities had been directed to extend necessary support to passengers unable to travel to Riyadh because of the disruption.

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