Anti-drone systems for local airports soon

The government has decided to introduce an anti-drone system at the country's airports to strengthen aviation security and ensure compliance with international standards ahead of the upcoming audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The decision was announced recently at the first meeting of the reconstituted National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC), held at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) headquarters in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, while State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended as vice-chair.

The minister directed authorities to expedite implementation of decisions from the committee's previous meeting, stressing that Bangladesh must fully comply with ICAO security requirements before the inspection.

"The outcome of the ICAO audit is closely linked to the country's international image. We must address every possible area of concern and ensure compliance with all security standards," she said.

Afroza Khanam also reiterated that airport security protocols must apply equally to all passengers, including VIPs and Commercially Important Persons (CIPs), with no exemptions from screening procedures. She further called for improved passenger services, particularly for expatriate Bangladeshis.

State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat announced that anti-drone technology would be deployed to prevent unauthorized drone operations around airports, describing it as a vital measure to safeguard critical aviation infrastructure. He also instructed authorities to maintain adequate stocks of scanners and other security equipment and urged law enforcement agencies to take strict action against aviation security violations.

The meeting reviewed measures to strengthen intelligence sharing, enhance implementation of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, adopt advanced screening technologies and improve preparedness for emerging security threats.

Participants also emphasized tighter security at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, improved operation of the Under Vehicle Scanning System (UVSS), stronger inter-agency coordination, and legal action against unauthorized activities to ensure safer and more efficient airport operations.