Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has directed strict enforcement of uniform security protocols for all individuals at airports, including VIPs and CIPs, to guarantee comprehensive aviation safety.
Concurrently, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat announced that steps are being taken to install anti-drone systems to prevent unauthorized drone flights within airport perimeter zones. The directives and decisions were disclosed on Thursday (August 6) during the first meeting of the reconstituted National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) held at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) headquarters in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Minister Afroza Khanam, with State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat serving as co-chair.
In her presidential address, Minister Afroza Khanam called for the rapid implementation of decisions made during the 13th meeting of the apex coordination body. Highlighting the upcoming audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), she emphasized that the country’s image is linked to its outcome and urged all relevant authorities to ensure strict compliance with ICAO observation criteria.
"Security protocols apply equally to everyone, including VIPs and CIPs," Minister Khanam affirmed. She further emphasized that improving passenger service standards particularly for expatriate Bangladeshis remains a top government priority.
Addressing the session, State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat stated that anti-drone technology will be deployed to secure airport airspace against unauthorized drones. Marking the committee's first gathering in nearly three years, he instructed law enforcement personnel to enforce legal measures strictly in cases of security breaches and advocated for maintaining an ample surplus of scanners and security equipment.
Enhancing real-time intelligence sharing among agencies, implementing the National Civil Aviation Security Program, and adhering to ICAO security benchmarks.
Integrating modern security equipment, reviewing safety policies, and assessing the effectiveness of Under Vehicle Scanning Systems (UVSS) at key access points of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).
Executing Memorandums of Understanding among relevant ministries and agencies to strengthen contingency and crisis management frameworks across all domestic airports.
Directing CAAB, APBn, Bangladesh Police, Ansar, and airport magistrates to coordinate operations against landside traffic congestion, unauthorized gatherings, begging, and illegal luggage-wrapping services at HSIA.
