CAAB issues high alert for country's all airports
Security has heightened at all airports across Bangladesh in the wake of a warning from Police Headquarters regarding a possible militant attack on important national installations
ATT Desk Report 
High-security alerts have been issued at eight airports across Bangladesh following a directive from Police Headquarters, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddique confirmed on Monday.
Security has heightened at all airports across Bangladesh, including Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, in the wake of a warning from Police Headquarters regarding a possible militant attack on important national installations, according to local media reports.
"Following the letter from the police headquarters, the highest security alert has been issued at eight airports in the country. The airports are always under proper security. After receiving the letter from police headquarters, it has been stepped up. This is part of our regular work," said CAAB chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq at a meeting with the media on Monday afternoon.
Enhanced Surveillance and Deployment
Security and intelligence monitoring have been bolstered at key points within airport premises. Sources indicate that additional personnel, in both uniform and plainclothes, have been deployed to mitigate potential threats.
The heightened measures include:
Rigorous Screening: Intensified security checks for both arriving and departing passengers.
Immediate Reporting: Personnel have been instructed to report any suspicious activity instantly.
Night Security: Airports that do not operate night flights have also been directed to increase surveillance during late hours.
A senior CAAB official clarified that while no specific threat has been identified against the airports, these preemptive steps ensure full readiness. "We periodically enhance security as a standard precaution," the official added.
Context of the Alert
The surge in security follows a broader intelligence warning issued by the Bangladesh Police regarding potential plots by a banned militant organization targeting key state and government installations. An official letter signed by DIG (Confidential) Kamrul Ahsan on April 23 flagged these concerns.
Intelligence reports suggest coordinated communication between individuals linked to the banned group. Recent investigations into arrested extremist members revealed links to two terminated military personnel, raising concerns over sophisticated planning.
Potential targets identified in the police warning include:
- The National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad)
- Key police and military installations
- Places of worship and recreation centers
- Critical infrastructure
Law enforcement agencies are currently coordinating intelligence to thwart any potential attempts, emphasising that the measures are a necessary response to evolving national security challenges. Despite the broad warning, Civil Aviation authorities maintain that the airport-specific actions remain purely precautionary.
