ICAO audit finds no major security issues in Bangladesh aviation

Bangladesh has made significant progress in improving its aviation security system, with the latest audit identifying no major security concerns, the head of an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit team said on Friday, mentioned the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

Audit team leader Callum Lewis Vine expressed satisfaction with the progress and commended CAAB and other relevant agencies for coordinating their efforts to strengthen aviation security. He made the remarks at a dinner hosted by CAAB for the delegation following the completion of the audit on November 6.

However, CAAB’s statement did not disclose the audit score, specify which areas had improved or indicate whether the team had recommended any further action.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said stronger aviation security was essential to the government’s plans to acquire aircraft, expand international routes and establish Bangladesh as an aviation hub connecting East and West. He cited the proposed direct Dhaka-New York flight service as part of the plan but did not provide a timeline for its introduction.

Millat also credited CAAB, its Aviation Security Division and other agencies for their joint preparations. He praised CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq for supervising the work and holding regular review meetings.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury also attended the dinner.

The ICAO delegation included Pathberiya Appuhamilage Jayakantha of Sri Lanka, Alessandra Arenas of the Philippines and Shaikh Abdullah Bin Ab Sukor of Singapore.