Passengers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka can now monitor their luggage in real time, following the installation of 32 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and 18 large screens in the baggage collection area.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) announced the initiative on its Facebook page on Saturday, saying the 65-inch monitors would allow passengers to watch the entire baggage-handling process, from unloading aircraft to delivery at collection belts.
According to CAAB, passengers will be able to watch their luggage being unloaded from aircraft, transported to designated areas, sorted and delivered to baggage collection belts.
The initiative comes amid longstanding allegations of baggage tampering, theft of valuables and lost luggage at the country’s main international airport.
Passengers have complained for years about luggage being cut open and valuable items stolen, but the problems have remained unresolved.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat recently initiated the move to introduce real-time baggage monitoring at Shahjalal Airport, leading to the installation of the cameras and monitors.
CAAB expects the system to improve transparency and accountability in baggage handling.
Passengers, however, say its effectiveness in reducing complaints of baggage tampering, theft, loss and lengthy waits at collection belts will depend on identifying those responsible for irregularities and taking action against them.
