The government has decided to restrict entry to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to passengers and a maximum of two accompanying persons as part of a broader push to strengthen aviation security ahead of an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) security audit later this year.
The decision was taken at the first meeting of the reconstituted National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) on Thursday, where officials also endorsed a series of measures aimed at strengthening Bangladesh's civil aviation security in line with international standards.
The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).
CAAB spokesperson and Assistant Director Kawsar Mahmud confirmed the decisions after the meeting.
According to CAAB, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Miz Afroza Khanam chaired the meeting as chairperson of the committee, while State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat served as vice-chairperson.
Stricter airport access
The committee placed special emphasis on tightening access control at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
It recommended that personnel of the Airport Armed Police Battalion (APBn) and other law enforcement agencies stationed at airport entry points verify the identity and travel documents of passengers and accompanying persons before allowing entry.
The committee also recommended limiting entry to no more than two accompanying persons per passenger, subject to verification of the required documents.
Security upgrades
The meeting also reviewed the performance of under-vehicle scanning systems installed at key airport entry points.
Of the five scanners currently installed, three are operational, while the remaining two have been out of service for an extended period. The committee recommended repairing or replacing the faulty scanners as soon as possible. Until then, security personnel have been asked to continue vehicle inspections using under-vehicle inspection mirrors.
The committee also called for enhanced security at VIP and CIP lounges through strict enforcement of government-approved screening protocols and the installation of additional signage at designated entry points to improve screening and curb smuggling.
It further stressed the need for CAAB, the Airport Armed Police Battalion (APBn), police, RAB, Ansar and airport magistrates to step up coordinated efforts to tackle traffic congestion, uncontrolled crowds, begging and illegal luggage-wrapping operations in the landside area of the airport to improve passenger services, maintain order and strengthen overall security.
ICAO audit preparations
The committee reviewed preparations for the ICAO security audit scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from October 26 to November 6.
It emphasized the need for close coordination among the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Customs, Immigration and the National Central Bureau (NCB) to ensure the audit is completed successfully.
Officials also discussed strengthening intelligence-sharing among security agencies, implementing the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, complying with ICAO security standards, deploying modern screening technology, reviewing existing security protocols and preparing for emerging security threats.
Emergency response, EU cargo list
The committee underscored the need to sign memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with relevant ministries and agencies to strengthen contingency and crisis management at all civil airports.
Pending those agreements, it recommended issuing standing instructions requiring relevant agencies to deploy personnel and equipment to airports without delay during emergencies.
The meeting also reviewed Bangladesh's ongoing efforts to secure removal from the European Union's High-Risk Cargo and Mail (HRCM) state list.
It stressed maintaining full compliance with the aviation security requirements of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, while strengthening diplomatic engagement through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries to facilitate Bangladesh's removal from the list.
Representatives from relevant organizations were present in the meeting.
CAAB Member (Security) Air Commodore Md Asif Iqbal served as the committee's member secretary.
The committee also approved the minutes of the 13th NCASC meeting, held on December 13, 2023, which had remained pending due to unavoidable national-level reasons.
