Security has heightened at all airports across Bangladesh, including Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, in the wake of a warning from Police Headquarters regarding a possible militant attack on important national installations.
"Following the letter from the police headquarters, the highest security alert has been issued at eight airports in the country.
The airports are always under proper security. After receiving the letter from police headquarters, it has been stepped up.
This is part of our regular work," said Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) at a meeting with the media on Monday.
Following the alert, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh issued a high-level warning, instructing all law enforcement units operating at airports to strengthen security arrangements.
Officials said additional personnel-both in uniform and plain clothes-have been deployed, while intelligence monitoring has been increased. Security checks at all arrival and departure points have also been tightened, with instructions to report any suspicious activity immediately.
A senior official at the airport said that although no specific threat has been identified, precautionary steps have been taken in advance. "Instructions have been given to strengthen security at all airports. This is part of our routine preparedness as well," the official said.
He added that airports with limited nighttime operations have also been instructed to enhance security during night hours, and strict monitoring is being ensured at all entry points to prevent any lapse.
The alert follows intelligence information suggesting that a banned extremist outfit may be planning coordinated attacks on key state installations.
According to an internal letter issued by police headquarters and signed by DIG (Confidential) Kamrul Ahsan, several individuals linked to the outfit have recently been in regular contact, raising concerns of a potential threat.
The letter also mentioned that two dismissed army personnel were reportedly in communication with a detained extremist suspect, Istiak Ahmed Sami, also known by aliases Abu Bakkar and Abu Mohammad.
Potential targets listed in the alert include the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, as well as police and military installations, places of worship, entertainment venues and other key infrastructure.
Law enforcement officials said the group may attempt to carry out attacks using various methods, prompting heightened concern over national security.
In response, police headquarters has directed all relevant agencies to strengthen security in vulnerable areas, enhance surveillance and improve intelligence coordination to prevent any potential incidents.
