Security at airports enhanced

Security has been ratcheted up at Dhaka and Chittagong international airports fearing sabotage amid the political unrest and violence.

Authorities at Bangladesh’s two premiere airports say additional security officials have been deployed. Neither any vehicle nor any person is being let into the terminals without a thorough check.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's Director MK Zakir Hasan said: "Security here has been boosted as it is the country's main airport."

He, however, did not divulge any details due to 'security concerns'.

An official at the airport said security was heightened as incidents of sabotage had been occurring in places across the country during the Opposition-enforced shutdowns and blockades.

Apart from these two international airports, security has also been bolstered at all other airports, said the official who preferred anonymity as he was not authorised to brief the media on the matter.

The Chittagong airport authorities are checking every vehicle and passenger at two entry points since an anonymous sabotage threat was received on Wednesday.

Earlier, there was only one check-point where passengers or vehicles were searched only if they seemed suspicious.

A joint meeting of police, RAB, BGB and Bangladesh Air Force was held on Wednesday night over the airport security.

The visitors' gallery and the concourse at the airport were put off limits on Saturday night after explosions took place at the car parking.

Shah Amanat's Manager Wing Commander Md Nur-e-Alam said they were allowing only passengers in the airport's terminal building since Wednesday as part of the security measure.

Vehicles and passengers were being searched at the main entry point and driveway, he said. Alam admitted the searches were causing 'sufferings' to the passengers but said the security measure was for their safety.

Chittagong Immigration police's Additional Deputy Commissioner Mizanur Rahman said a meeting was held on Wednesday night to review the airport security.

He said fresh security and duty passes had been issued for the airport's officials.