ICAO security audit begins, continues until Nov 6

An International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit of Bangladesh’s aviation security system began today and will continue until November 6 to assess the country’s security oversight framework against international standards.

The audit is being conducted under ICAO’s Universal Security Audit Programme–Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA), according to a Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) press release.

Marking the audit, a national briefing was held at CAAB headquarters in Kurmitola this morning, chaired by CAAB Member (Security) Air Commodore Md Asif Iqbal.

Bangladesh’s National Coordinator Mohammad Alamgir briefed the ICAO audit team on the country’s aviation security oversight system. ICAO Audit Team Leader Callum Vine subsequently delivered the national briefing.

Members of the audit team and representatives of agencies and organisations involved in aviation security attended.

Following the briefing, the ICAO team met CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq.

The chairman said the audit offered an important opportunity to review Bangladesh’s national aviation security oversight system against international standards, identify achievements and determine areas for improvement.

He expressed optimism that its observations and recommendations would help strengthen the country’s aviation security system.

CAAB is committed to preparing a corrective action plan based on the audit findings and implementing it effectively within the stipulated timeframe, he said.

At the briefing, Air Commodore Asif Iqbal sought full cooperation from all agencies and organisations concerned to facilitate the audit.

He stressed the timely submission of accurate documents and information, the availability of relevant officials and staff for interviews and observation, and access for auditors to designated airports and facilities.