Heightened Homeland Security: Airports Tighten Surveillance Amid Terror Threat Alert
Security has been intensified at all airports across the country, including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, following a warning of possible militant attacks on key installations. Surveillance has been particularly increased at all critical points within Shahjalal Airport.
Airport-related sources confirmed the information on Monday, April 27.
According to the sources, the Police Headquarters issued a warning letter to the airport authorities. Immediately after receiving the letter, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) declared a high alert. All units of law enforcement agencies working at the airports were instructed to take special measures.
It has been learned that security has been strengthened around various critical locations within the airports. Intelligence surveillance has also been increased. Additional personnel, both in uniform and in plain clothes, have been deployed. Comprehensive security measures have been adopted considering all types of threats. Security screening has been intensified in both arrival and departure areas. Instructions have been given to report any suspicious activity immediately.
A senior CAAB official said, “So far, we have not received any direct security threat. However, precautionary measures have been taken. Instructions have been issued to strengthen security at every airport. We occasionally take such measures.” He added that airports where no flights operate at night have also been instructed to enhance nighttime security.
He further said, “The enhanced security measures are not solely due to the letter from the Police Headquarters; we regularly strengthen security as part of routine practice.”
He also noted, “We have instructed that there should be no lapses in security checks for anyone entering airport premises without proper authorization. Entry points at various locations of Shahjalal Airport have also been brought under stricter monitoring to ensure there are no security gaps.” He added that any unusual activity must be dealt with promptly and reported to higher authorities.
It is worth noting that Bangladesh Police issued an intelligence alert regarding a possible attack plan by a banned militant organization targeting various important state and government installations across the country.
The alert was issued last Thursday (April 23) through an official letter signed by Kamrul Ahsan, DIG (Confidential) of Police Headquarters.
According to the internal communication from Police Headquarters, recent intelligence indicates that several individuals linked to the banned organization have been maintaining regular communication. They may be planning coordinated attacks on sensitive locations.
The letter further stated that sources have found evidence of regular communication between recently arrested extremist group member Istiak Ahmed Sami alias Abu Bakkar alias Abu Mohammad and two dismissed members of the armed forces.
Potential targets of the attacks include the National Parliament, key installations of police and military forces, places of worship, recreational centers, and other critical infrastructure.
Law enforcement officials said the militant group is attempting to use various methods to carry out attacks, which has become a matter of concern for national security.
In this context, the Police Headquarters has instructed all relevant units to strengthen security at vulnerable locations, enhance surveillance, and improve coordination of intelligence to prevent any potential attacks.
DBTech/DHE/EK
