Published : 05 Oct 2026, 01:25 PM
Updated : 05 Oct 2026, 01:25 PM
An anti-drone system will be installed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka to prevent unauthorised drone flights, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat says.
Announcing the new measure, he said: “We have seen incidents of unauthorised drones being flown during fire accidents. The airport is a key point installation (KPI) of the state. So, an initiative has been taken to install an anti-drone system to prevent unauthorised drone flights in the airport area. Besides, scanners and equipment related to security must be available in greater numbers than required.”
He also said there would be no compromise on ensuring the safety of the country’s aviation sector.
“Our goal must be zero compromise on aviation safety,” he said.
The minister made the remarks at a programme after inspecting the “Airport Emergency Exercise 2026” held at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Monday morning.
Speaking about the importance of fire safety and the emergency drill, Millat said, “A drill is necessary, but I pray to Allah and seek His help so that it is never needed in practice.”
Referring to the airport fire during the tenure of the interim government, he said: “You know that a massive fire broke out at the airport’s import cargo complex in October last year during the interim government’s tenure. It caused huge losses and damaged the country’s image. Therefore, ensuring security is the highest priority of the current government.”
Highlighting measures taken by the government to strengthen security, the minister said: “After assuming office, we formed the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, the highest policy-making body, to ensure security at the country’s airports.
“An ICAO audit will be held soon. The country’s image is linked to its observations. Therefore, we have taken measures to ensure compliance on issues that may come under observation by ICAO.”
Issuing a stern message about VIP protocols at the airport, Millat said: “The security protocol is the same for everyone, including VIPs and CIPs. Therefore, everyone must follow the same protocol to ensure airport security.”
The minister also highlighted the need to reduce response times in dealing with accidents.
“The first few minutes are extremely important in the event of any accident or fire at the airport. The response time for dealing with fire incidents must be reduced further,” he said.
Asked by journalists about recent harassment of passengers at the airport and various videos circulating on social media, the minister said the government was working to prevent misinformation and ensure passenger services.
Responding to a question about a video that went viral on social media, he said: “There is not the slightest truth in what the woman said in the voice message yesterday. I immediately verified it with our executive director.
“Nothing of the sort happened here. You are using voice messages from outside, while passengers’ luggage is arriving properly on the belt. This misinformation needs to be analysed.”
The minister also warned that airport officials would be rewarded for good performance and punished for negligence in their duties.
Dhaka-18 MP SM Jahangir Hossain, Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, and airport Executive Director Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, among others, were present at the programme.
