Dhaka airport authorities take 6 steps to strengthen security

Decisions have been taken after Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain was found carrying a magazine of gun ammunition at Dhaka airport on his way to Morocco

Authorities at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have announced they are taking six additional steps to strengthen security.

The measures were announced by the airport authority in a statement on Monday night.

These steps are:

>> Increasing scrutiny during the screening process for all VIP or VVIP baggage.

>> Providing regular awareness briefings and instructions to all AVSEC (Aviation Security) members.

>> Giving special instructions to the CCTV monitoring team.

>> Making manual checks mandatory for high-risk bags after scanning them through metal detectors and X-ray machines.

>> Ensuring prior permission of all firearms carriers while entering the airport and maintaining records.

>> In cases where security measures are violated, forming an investigation committee through the concerned agencies and providing instructions on prevention.

A magazine of ammunition was found in the handbag of the interim government’s Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain at Dhaka airport as he was leaving for Morocco on Sunday, sparking debate.

Later, the advisor wrote in a Facebook post: "While packing early this morning, I left one magazine with the weapon, but another magazine remained in the bag by mistake."

Asif also claimed that the magazine of ammunition that was found was for his licensed firearm.

Authorities at the airport made the decision to step up security on Sunday night after the incident.