‘No compromise in ensuring security at airports’

Staff Correspondent: State Minister for Civil Aviation Md Mahbub Ali on Tuesday said there will be no compromise to ensure security at the country’s airports.

“No one will be spared if they disrupt security,” he said at a fire extinguishing drill at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport.

Tanvir Ahmed, public relations officer at the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, came up with the information quoting Mahbub Ali.

The state minister reminded the staff that the country’s image is related to the security of its airports.

There was an attempt to hijack a plane of national flag carrier in February at Chattogram airport. There have also been instances of people entering the Dhaka airport with undeclared firearm and bullets.

The UK in 2016 imposed a ban on direct cargo flights from Dhaka to London after Biman failed to pass the safety and security tests. It withdrew the ban in February last year.

A member of Ansar force was killed and four others were wounded in a knife attack at Dhaka airport on November 6, 2016.

The government has since intensified security at the airports.

Ali reminded the staff that providing services to people and ensuring that passengers are not harassed at the airport were their main duties.

Many passengers, particularly expatriates, have brought allegations of harassment against the airport staff. In February, the state minister for expatriates welfare and overseas employment warned that airport officials will face tough actions if they harass expatriates.

Ali also warned the staff that stern action will be taken against those who will be found involved in corruption.

He said the government has taken many projects for the development of Shah Amanat International Airport and plans to construct a link road from Chattogram city to airport.


risingbd/Dhaka/April 30, 2019/Asad/AI