CAAB holds firefighting drill at HQ, Dhaka Airport
Dhaka: The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) conducted a firefighting training drill on August 19 at its headquarters and at the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to test emergency response capabilities and reinforce fire safety preparedness.
CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq attended the exercise and observed the activities alongside other CAAB members and senior officials, who monitored various aspects of the drill.
Air Commodore Md. Asif Iqbal, Member (Security), CAAB, served as Chief Coordinator at the headquarters drill, while Air Commodore Md. Nur-E-Alam, Member (ATM), CAAB, coordinated the exercise at the airport cargo area.
A simulated fire incident was staged to give personnel hands-on training in rapid emergency response, proper use of firefighting equipment, and coordination among staff during a crisis.
The drill emphasized correct procedures during the early stages of a fire, bringing situations under control quickly, safe evacuation, and practicing techniques for operating firefighting equipment. It also tested communication and rapid-response coordination among relevant units.
Observing the exercise, CAAB Chairman Siddiq evaluated the preparedness of personnel involved. He stressed that alongside modern infrastructure and equipment, trained staff and the ability to respond swiftly to emergencies remain critical to ensuring the safety and security of airports and other aviation facilities.
He added that officers' and employees' skills must be continually strengthened through regular training and drills.
The chairman also noted that such exercises help assess the effectiveness of existing fire safety measures while identifying potential gaps. Findings from the drill will be reviewed, he said, and security measures and training programs will be strengthened further as needed.
CAAB clarified that the day's activities were entirely pre-planned and carried out as a training exercise. The drill's main objectives were to evaluate the preparedness, skills, and coordination of personnel in responding to emergencies and to further strengthen the authority's overall fire safety and emergency response system.
