Cargo for export at HSIA under serious security risk

 
Cargo for export at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is under serious security risk. The Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) ordered to increase security surveillance of the export cargo at HSIA.  

In a security meeting held on December 17, concerns were expressed about the security risk of export cargo. At the same time, five recommendations have been made to the CAAB Chairman. The Chairman of CAAB termed the matter as urgent and directed every department to take necessary measures. When the recommendations of that meeting reached the Chairman's office on January 26, he signed the recommendations to take urgent action.

It is said in the statement that RA-3 Status was at risk as Explosive Detection System (EDS) and X-ray machine installed at the export cargo complex were not operational. At least two EDS machines operational at all times, according to recommendation. 

Senior Security Consultant Wing Commander (retd) M Sahidur Rahman told the meeting on December 10 that Department for Transport (DfT) Team reviewed the maintenance information of the security devices during the inspection of the RA-3 area of the Export Cargo Complex.

At that time, he found that out of four Explosive Detection System (EDS), only one EDS machine was operational from November 13 to October 2.

According to recommendation at least two EDS machines should be operational round the clock for screening goods 24 hours in the RA-3 area of the export cargo complex.

A feasibility study on whether the X-ray / EDS machine room can be leak-proofed. 

A seven-member committee is to be constituted to examine the feasibility of deploying the Leidos MV-3D machine in RA-3 area of the Export Cargo Complex.

Whether the STP of the old DV X-ray machine at the Export Cargo Complex is fully compliant or not, a report has to be submitted to Chairman CAAB within the next two weeks subject to examination.

The process of procuring a new EDS machine to start cargo export at Shah Amanat International Airport, Chittagong needs to be started soon.