Eliminating decade-long luggage mismanagement, trolley shortages, and baggage claim delays, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) has officially deployed an advanced high-tech 'Live Baggage Monitoring System' driven by digital surveillance.
According to information from the Civil Aviation and Airport Authority, this new system allows passengers to receive their luggage within just 15 to 20 minutes of their plane landing. This has brought unprecedented transparency and significant relief to the airport's ground handling operations.
M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, the Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, expressed hope for the continued provision of this service to alleviate passenger suffering. After inspecting Shahjalal International Airport on Monday, October 19th, around 7 PM, he added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's "I have a plan" initiative is gradually being implemented across various sectors. The plan to launch a live baggage monitoring system for passengers was conceived almost two months ago, and now that initiative is becoming a reality.
Sources indicate that an advanced surveillance network has been used as the architecture for this special digital initiative by the airport authority. A total of eighteen 65-inch 4K display monitors have been installed across eight baggage belt areas at the airport. Additionally, thirty-two high-definition (HD) CCTV cameras, four per belt, have been integrated to meticulously display each stage of baggage handling. The entire process—from luggage being loaded onto trolleys after flight arrival, unloading at the belt entrance, and directly onto the tracker belt—is broadcast live on the 4K displays via these HD CCTV cameras.
Consequently, the previous wait of 1 to 2 hours for luggage after disembarking, along with long queues and unexpected delays, has been reduced to just 15-20 minutes with the live system. The facility of direct monitoring through live video has completely eliminated opportunities for baggage cutting, theft, or irregularities behind the belt screens.
Earlier, passengers faced long queues and unexpected waits of 1 to 2 hours for their luggage after disembarking. Now, with the live system, this has been reduced to just 15-20 minutes. Live video monitoring has completely eliminated opportunities for luggage tampering, theft, or irregularities behind the belt curtains. This has replaced previous extreme anxiety and the distress of lost luggage with a sense of relief and institutional trust among regular and expatriate passengers.
Recently, retired Major Akhtaruzzaman, a former BNP leader who joined Jamaat-e-Islami, was arrested following a major commotion at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport regarding luggage and trolley shortages and allegations of inappropriate behavior with airport officials. In response, the government and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) ordered the swift implementation of this modern digital solution and automation to resolve the situation and rapidly upgrade ground handling services to international standards.
Several expatriate passengers departing the airport stated that in the past, they had to wait for hours in uncertainty. However, with all activities now visible on CCTV footage, tracking has become easier, allowing for faster airport departure. Abdul Hamid, an expatriate returning home after seven years, remarked, "I have seen this service in various countries around the world. I feel relieved that this service has been launched in our country too."
Aviation and technology experts believe that the transition from a manual system to automated and live digital monitoring plays a significant role in protecting the image of the country's main international airport. CAAB authorities have stated that this technological process will continue to increase the efficiency and ensure 100% accountability of ground handling staff.
//DBTech/GAI/SMP/DPO//
