British company Redline Aviation Security Limited has begun working at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to upgrade security from Tuesday.
A Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) official told the Dhaka Tribune that Redline scrutinised the airport's security system and inspected various areas.
CAAB inked a deal with Redline on Monday to upgrade the airport's security management and training of personnel. The security firm will monitor overall security of Shahjalal airport and train security officials.
Three aviation experts joined Tuesday's inspection accompanied by CAAB security officials. More experts are expected to join this team within a day or two. A total 29 people will be deployed at the airport. Among them 24 will have expertise on scanning machine operation.
A Civil Aviation Ministry official said the UK government and a high powered steering committee of Bangladesh will review Redline's works of this month. If the security system does not improve, the UK may extend its direct cargo ban.
As part of the government's short term initiatives, CAAB appointed Redline to meet the UK's requirements on security grounds. The government appointed Redline in direct purchase process with a cost of Tk73.25 crore. This firm will continue the project until March 2018. Bangladesh has the right to review Redline's performance after every six months.
UK’s Department for Transport in a post said a recent security assessment found that Dhaka airport was yet to meet some international security requirements.
On March 8, the UK imposed a temporary ban on direct air cargo shipment from Dhaka to London, citing security issues. Australia came up with the same move in December last year.
