CAAB seeks additional staffing to enhance airport security

It has asked for 192 more security personnel —120 from the Air Force and 72 from the police

Although violence surrounding the quota movement has eased, the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority or CAAB aims to strengthen security at all airports, including Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, in response to recent developments.

CAAB Chairman Air Commodore Sadikur Rahman Chowdhury has requested additional personnel from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

He has asked for 192 more security members—120 from the Air Force and 72 from the police force—to enhance security measures.

The request underscores the need for adequate Air Force personnel to cover critical areas such as the airside, ramp side, and apron at Dhaka, Chattogram, Jashore, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Saidpur airports, ensuring continuous and comprehensive security.

Following a government decision on Jul 20, 400 Air Force members were deployed to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and 200 to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram for round-the-clock security.

In the fiscal year 2022-23, CAAB recruited 467 security personnel across all airports nationwide to enhance capacity, reads the letter.

However, 103 of these recruits have since left CAAB for other opportunities.

“The approved structure for Dhaka airport includes 493 security personnel, with 153 additional positions currently being filled.”

Each shift at Terminals 1 and 2 of the airport requires a minimum of 250 members, with 1,000 needed for complete coverage across four shifts.

CAAB chief Sadikur said the current 493 security personnel are inadequate for effective operations.

Security duties are being covered by 785 staff, including 220 from the Air Force and 72 from the Police Force, he said.

Despite this, there is still a shortage of 215 personnel.

In 2016, the UK's Department for Transport or DfT banned CAAB from operating flights to the UK and Europe due to security issues. The ban was lifted in 2018 after improved security measures were implemented following intervention by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

A senior official from the civil aviation ministry said: "Increasing manpower as required is part of our routine activities. Appropriate actions will be taken as necessary."