Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam has called for treating aviation safety not merely as an operational cost but as a critical investment in protecting human lives, valuable assets and national progress.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the 3-day 8th International Flight Safety Seminar 2026 (IFSS-2026), jointly organized by the Bangladesh Air Force and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), at Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka on Wednesday.
The defence adviser emphasized the potential and future development of Bangladesh’s aviation sector. He noted that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, modernization of key infrastructure, including airports, terminals and air navigation systems, was underway to transform Bangladesh into an important regional aviation hub.
He said international-standard safety systems, skilled human resources and effective coordination among relevant institutions were essential to ensuring the benefits of modern infrastructure.
He also stressed the need to modernize aviation safety systems in line with rapid technological changes. He highlighted the effective use of modern technology, regular training, professional skills development and collective efforts by relevant institutions.
The adviser called for effective partnerships among the national airline, private organizations and educational institutions. He also emphasized building a strong, long-term safety culture through responsible decision-making, risk awareness and mutual cooperation at every level, rather than limiting safety to compliance with rules.
This year’s seminar was held under the theme “Technology, Training and Teamwork: Creating a Future-Ready Safety Mindset.” Discussions focused on modern technology, training, skills development, teamwork and effective coordination among institutions to build a future-ready flight safety culture.
Participants also discussed emerging aviation safety risks and challenges, international experience-sharing, best practices and stronger cooperation to ensure safe and sustainable aviation. Representatives from the military and civilian aviation sectors of 21 countries attended the seminar.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan said flight safety was crucial to protecting human lives and valuable assets, maintaining operational readiness and ensuring the sustainable development of the aviation sector.
He emphasized developing a strong flight safety culture in line with technological advances, maintaining professional discipline, making timely decisions and ensuring effective risk management.
Representatives from the Bangladesh Air Force and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, as well as air forces from Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Morocco, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Kuwait, Russia, Sudan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zimbabwe, attended the seminar.
For the first time, representatives from the civil aviation authorities of Malaysia, Nepal and Sri Lanka, along with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), also participated.
During the 3-day seminar, local and international experts and participants presented papers and exchanged views on key aspects of flight safety. Discussions covered technological advances, training and skills development, human factors, safety management systems (SMS), human-technology integration, teamwork and future improvements in flight safety systems.
Participants also exchanged experiences on international flight safety practices, emerging risks and challenges, and the effective application of modern technology to strengthen aviation safety.
At the closing ceremony, the defence adviser reiterated that aviation safety was a key foundation of national development and progress. He emphasized the proper use of modern technology, the development of skilled human resources, effective risk management, and stronger cooperation and coordination between the military and civilian aviation sectors.
He said investment in aviation safety not only addressed present needs but also paved the way for a safe, reliable and prosperous aviation system for future generations. Such investment would also play an important role in protecting human lives and national assets, earning international confidence and supporting the country's long-term economic progress.
His remarks underscored the importance of prioritizing safety, expertise and collective efforts in Bangladesh’s pursuit of becoming a modern and significant regional aviation hub.
