Nearly two years after Bangladesh's political transition on August 5, 2024, chaos continues to define the arrival and departure canopies at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), with authorities struggling to enforce a long-standing restriction limiting each passenger to a maximum of two companions.
A visit to the airport paints a familiar picture of disorder. Outside Gate 2 of the arrival terminal, hundreds of anxious relatives crowd the canopy, their eyes fixed on the exit doors, waiting for loved ones returning from abroad. The situation at Arrival Canopy-2 is particularly alarming, where the crush of people leaves little room for passengers to exit comfortably, with some waiting relatives pressing so close to the gate that they appear ready to push inside.
Despite a directive issued by HSIA authorities on July 27 last year restricting entry to the departure driveway and arrival canopies to no more than two companions per passenger, the rule exists largely on paper.
The measure was introduced to ensure smooth passenger movement, ease traffic congestion and strengthen security at the country's busiest airport.
The directive also stated that the restriction could be tightened further during Eid holidays, public vacations or periods when large numbers of students travel with their guardians after the end of the academic year. Visitors were also advised to carry valid identification and supporting documents for entry if required.
Yet, one year on, there is little sign of enforcement.
During a recent visit, this correspondent observed passengers routinely arriving with four, five or even more relatives, often in full view of law enforcement personnel stationed at the canopies. In some cases, entire vehicle-loads of family members entered the canopy area to receive arriving passengers without any intervention from officials.
Many of those accompanying passengers said they were unaware that such a restriction even existed.
Saudi Arabia-bound passenger Abdul Ahad said he had come to the airport with his wife, children, parents and two neighbours in a rented Hiace microbus.
"We didn't know about this rule. Nobody informed us," he said. "We've been here for nearly an hour, and no one has said anything."
Another passenger, Ashraful, who arrived with five companions, shared a similar experience.
"If we had known about the regulation, we would certainly have followed it," he said.
Officials cite public resistance
Airport officials acknowledge that the regulation is difficult to enforce, blaming widespread public non-compliance.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one official said attempts to restrict entry often lead to confrontation.
"People simply don't want to follow the rules. When we ask them to comply, many refuse. Some even threaten our staff or record videos on their phones and post them on social media. We continue trying to maintain order, but without public cooperation, enforcing the directive is extremely difficult," the official said.
HSIA Executive Director S M Ragib Samad said the airport authority continues to remind visitors not to crowd the canopies and regularly conducts awareness campaigns.
"We repeatedly request people not to bring excessive numbers of companions into the canopy areas, but many ignore the instructions. Even so, our efforts to raise awareness and improve discipline remain ongoing," he said.
He stressed that lasting improvement will require greater civic responsibility.
"Government directives alone cannot solve the problem. Unless people become more conscious and cooperate, it will remain difficult to bring the situation fully under control," he added.
