Decisions Taken at NCASC Meeting Ahead of ICAO Audit; Statements by Minister Afroza Khanam & State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat
Govt Orders Uniform Security Protocol & Anti-Drone Setup at All Airports
Ahead of the upcoming safety audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the government has instructed authorities to beef up security measures across all civil airports in Bangladesh. The decision was taken on Thursday during the first meeting of the reconstituted National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC), chaired by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat.
Thursday, August 6: The government has issued directives to further tighten security protocols across all civil airports in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming safety audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The decisions include establishing a uniform security protocol for VIPs, CIPs, and general passengers alike, alongside installing anti-drone systems to prevent unauthorized drone operations in airport zones.
These directives were passed during the first meeting of the reconstituted National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC), held on Thursday at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) headquarters in the capital. The meeting was chaired by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, with State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat serving as the vice-chairman. High-ranking officials from CAAB, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and relevant departments were in attendance.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Afroza Khanam stated, "Decisions from previous meetings of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee must be implemented swiftly. The ICAO security audit will take place very soon, and Bangladesh's international image is directly tied to its outcome. Therefore, necessary preparations must be taken considering all potential observations to ensure 100% compliance with international standards." She added, "When it comes to security, the same rules apply to everyone—whether VIPs, CIPs, or general passengers." She also urged all related agencies to work in coordination to ensure seamless services for expatriate passengers.
State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat remarked, "Initiatives will be undertaken to install modern anti-drone systems to prevent unauthorized drone flying near airport areas. The National Civil Aviation Security Committee convened today after nearly three years. Now, the most crucial task is ensuring the effective implementation of the decisions made here." He also emphasized maintaining adequate stocks of security equipment and scanning hardware.
The meeting featured detailed discussions on boosting intelligence sharing and coordination, executing national aviation security programs, adhering to ICAO security benchmarks, integrating modern tech-driven security frameworks, and preparing for future security challenges. Key highlights included strengthening entrance security at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, improving the efficiency of Under-Vehicle Scanning Systems (UVSS), and signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) among agencies for emergency management across all civil airports.
Furthermore, CAAB, APBn, Police, Ansar, and Airport Magistrates were instructed to take proactive measures to manage traffic congestion, uncontrolled crowds, begging, and illegal luggage wrapping activities in the landside area of Shahjalal International Airport. Legal action was recommended wherever necessary to elevate passenger service quality and overall airport safety. Earlier, the government reconstituted the 17-member 'National Civil Aviation Security Committee' to elevate airport security to international standards and strengthen inter-agency coordination.
//DBTech/TIP/SME//
