The government is planning to install an anti-drone system at airports to prevent unauthorised drone operations and ensure the same safety rules for everyone, including VIPs and CIP-status individuals, as part of efforts to improve airport safety.
The decision was announced at the first meeting of the reconstituted National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC), held at the headquarters of the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) on Thursday, according to a press release.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, who chairs the committee, and State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, the committee’s vice-chairman, attended the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Afroza Khanam called for the swift implementation of decisions taken by the country’s highest aviation security policy and coordination body.
She said Bangladesh’s upcoming audit by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) makes it essential to ensure compliance with international security standards.
“Security protocols at airports are the same for everyone, including VIPs and CIPs,” the minister said, urging all concerned to follow the rules equally to ensure aviation security.
She also emphasised improving passenger services and called for coordinated efforts to provide better facilities, particularly for expatriate Bangladeshis.
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the anti-drone system would be introduced to stop unauthorised drone operation in airport areas. He said the effectiveness of the NCASC must be ensured as the committee resumed its activities after nearly three years.
The state minister also stressed the need for maintaining an adequate supply of security equipment and scanners beyond immediate requirements. He instructed law enforcement agencies to take strict action against violations of aviation security regulations.
The meeting discussed a range of measures to modernise and strengthen Bangladesh’s civil aviation security framework, including enhanced coordination among intelligence agencies, implementation of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, compliance with ICAO standards, installation of advanced security technologies, review of existing policies, and preparation of strategies to address future security challenges.
The committee also highlighted the need to strengthen security at the entrances of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, improve the performance of Under Vehicle Scanning Systems (UVSS), and prepare memorandums of understanding (MoUs) among relevant agencies for more effective contingency and crisis management at all civilian airports.
The meeting further discussed measures to control traffic congestion, unauthorised gatherings, begging, and illegal luggage wrapping activities in the landside area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Relevant agencies, including CAAB, the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), police, Ansar, and airport magistrates, were urged to play a more active role and take legal action where necessary to improve passenger services, discipline, and overall airport security.
