Bangladesh Tightens Airport Security, No VIP Exemptions: Minister
DHAKA, Bangladesh (Oct. 5) — Bangladesh’s civil aviation minister said Monday that there would be no compromise on airport security as authorities work to strengthen emergency response, fire safety and aviation security at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Speaking after an emergency fire exercise at the Dhaka airport, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the first few minutes of a fire or other emergency are critical, and response times must be reduced further.
“Fire safety and emergency response capabilities are fundamental to a modern and secure airport,” Millat said. He stressed the need for rapid communication and coordination among the Fire Service, airport authorities, operations, security and medical teams during emergencies.
The government also has taken steps to establish memorandums of understanding with relevant ministries and agencies to improve coordination during emergencies, he said.
Referring to a fire at the airport’s import cargo complex in October last year, Millat said the incident caused significant damage and harmed the country’s image. Ensuring airport security is therefore a top government priority, he said.
Since taking office, the government has formed a National Civil Aviation Security Committee to strengthen aviation security, Millat said. An audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO, is expected soon, and authorities are taking steps to address potential findings, he said.
Millat also said VIPs and other high-profile passengers would not receive special security exemptions at airports.
“There will be no separate security concessions for VIPs or CIPs,” he said. “The same security protocols apply to everyone, and everyone must follow them.”
Authorities are also working to install a comprehensive anti-drone system around the airport to prevent unauthorized drone flights, Millat said. He described the airport as critical national infrastructure and said unauthorized drones had been spotted in the area, including during a fire emergency.
The minister also called for adequate supplies of security equipment, particularly scanners, saying airports should have more equipment than the minimum required to maintain uninterrupted operations.
Ensuring safe, smooth and comfortable travel for passengers is the responsibility of all agencies involved, he said.
Millat urged authorities to implement quickly the recommendations emerging from Monday’s exercise. Regular, realistic emergency drills are essential to improving the ability to respond quickly and effectively to crises, he said.
Negligence to draw punishment
Responding to questions from reporters, Millat said the government would take a strict stance against negligence by airport personnel.
Those who fail to perform their duties properly will face punishment, while those who perform well will be eligible for rewards, he said.
On recent allegations of passenger harassment and disorder at the airport, Millat said authorities were working to address the problems but also warned that misinformation was being circulated.
Asked about an allegation of harassment involving a woman, Millat said he had immediately checked the matter and found no evidence supporting the allegation.
He urged journalists to report verified facts and exercise caution to prevent the spread of false information.
In his closing remarks, Millat said the government was working to make Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector more modern, secure and aligned with international standards, with passenger safety and service as its highest priorities.
Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mustafa Mahmud Siddiq and Dhaka-18 lawmaker S.M. Jahangir Hossain also spoke at the event.
