VIPs, CIPs must follow same airport security rules as others: MoCAT Minister

Dhaka: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said security protocols at Bangladesh's airports must be applied equally to everyone, including VIPs and commercially important persons (CIPs), stressing that no exceptions should be allowed as the country strengthens aviation security ahead of an upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit.

The minister made the remarks while chairing the first meeting of the reconstituted National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) headquarters in the capital on August 6. She also directed authorities to ensure full compliance with ICAO security standards and expedite implementation of the committee's previous decisions.

State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended as vice-chair of the committee.

Addressing the meeting, the minister directed authorities to swiftly implement the decisions taken at the committee's 13th meeting, stressing that Bangladesh's image would be closely linked to the findings of the forthcoming ICAO audit.

"We must ensure full compliance in all areas where ICAO may raise observations," she said, calling for coordinated efforts to strengthen the country's civil aviation security system in line with international standards.

She urged all agencies concerned to prioritize passenger services, particularly for Bangladeshi migrant workers travelling abroad.

State Minister Millat said the government would take initiatives to install an anti-drone system to prevent unauthorized drone operations around airport premises.

He also emphasized the need to maintain sufficient numbers of security equipment and scanners, saying airports should have more than the minimum required quantity to ensure uninterrupted operations.

The state minister instructed law enforcement agencies to take strict legal action against any violation affecting airport security.

The meeting discussed a range of measures aimed at strengthening Bangladesh's aviation security framework, including enhancing intelligence sharing among security agencies to address potential threats, ensuring effective implementation of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, complying with ICAO security standards, introducing advanced security technologies at airports, reviewing existing security policies, and adopting strategic measures to tackle future security challenges.

Participants also stressed the need to reinforce security at the entrance of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, assess the effectiveness of the Under Vehicle Scanning System (UVSS) installed at key entry points, and sign memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with relevant ministries and agencies to improve contingency and crisis management at all civil airports across the country.

The committee further called for stronger action to address traffic congestion, uncontrolled crowds, begging, and illegal luggage-wrapping activities in the landside area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. It urged CAAB, the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), police, Ansar and the airport magistrate to play a more active role and take legal measures where necessary to improve passenger services, discipline and overall airport security.