VIPs, CIPs to face equal security checks at airports: Aviation minister
Bangladesh's international image would be closely linked to the outcome of the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) security audit, she says.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has said aviation security protocols must be applied equally to everyone, including very import persons and commercially important persons, stressing that no one should be exempt from airport security procedures.
The minister made the remarks while attending the first meeting of the reconstituted national civil aviation security committee at the headquarters of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh today (6 August).
She directed the authorities concerned to implement it without delay.
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Stressing the importance of Bangladesh's upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization security audit, Afroza said the country's international image would be closely linked to the audit outcome and instructed all relevant agencies to ensure full compliance with the aviation organisation's standards.
The minister said ensuring quality passenger service remains the government's priority and urged all stakeholders to work together to improve services, particularly for Bangladeshi expatriate travellers.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government would install an anti-drone system to prevent unauthorised drone operations around airport areas.
He stressed the need to maintain security equipment, including scanners, in numbers exceeding minimum operational requirements to ensure uninterrupted security operations and instructed law enforcement agencies to take strict action against any violations of aviation security laws.
The meeting reviewed a wide range of measures to strengthen the country's civil aviation security regime, including enhanced intelligence sharing among agencies.
The committee also stressed the need to strengthen security at the entry points of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, improve the effectiveness of the under vehicle scanning system, and sign memorandums of understanding with relevant ministries and agencies to enhance contingency planning and crisis management at all civil airports.
The committee recommended legal action where necessary to further improve passenger services, maintain discipline and strengthen overall airport security.
