CAAB Given Sole Authority Over Bangladesh’s Airports

Published : Friday, 19 September, 2025 at 11:10 PM Count : 479

The government has taken a landmark decision to place the sole management, supervision, and control of the country’s airports under the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

According to official sources, the decision was made during a high-level meeting held on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, at the Chief Adviser’s office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy to the Chief Advisor on International Affairs. Senior officials from the relevant ministries, police, air force, and CAAB were present. A total of six key decisions were adopted during the meeting. Among them, the most important first decision stated that from now on, all agencies and organizations operating in the airports will be managed under the unified authority of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh. In the first point, it is stated that All agencies operating within the airport shall function under the single authority “Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh” ensuring unified command, regulation.

The meeting also decided that, as per the law, each agency would continue to perform its respective duties; however, the overall coordination, guidance, and control will remain with CAAB. This ensures that while the roles of each agency are clearly defined, the final decision-making and implementation authority will rest with CAAB.

Experts consider the decision to grant CAAB sole authority over airport security and management a milestone. They believe that the long-standing lack of coordination, conflicts, and confusion will be resolved. Passenger safety and confidence will increase, and Bangladesh’s image in the international arena will be further strengthened.

On 5 August 2024, when the chain of command at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport suddenly collapsed, members of the APB abandoned their duties and left the airport. Their actions sparked nationwide criticism. They left security equipment on the apron and sought refuge at the nearby airbase in AK Khandker airbase, Kurmitola. During this period, the Air Force ensured their security and provided necessary medical and logistical support. Although air traffic was temporarily disrupted in the absence of APBN, under the direction of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and CAAB, the Air Force restored normal airport operations within just six hours.

Meanwhile, on 24 August 2025, during a meeting held in the conference room of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport chaired by Sk. Bashir Uddin, Adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, APBN-13 Commander, Additional DIG Mohammad Sihab Kaiser Khan, made unprofessional remarks. His behavior embarrassed and humiliated senior police officials. Following the advice of senior police officials, CAAB sent an official letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) requesting the removal of the concerned officer.

FP/Raj