Minister urges caution over airport misinformation, stresses safety.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M
Rashiduzzaman Millat today said old videos were being circulated on social
media to spread misinformation alleging harassment of passengers at Hazrat
Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).
"Old videos are being used to spread misinformation about passenger
harassment at the airport," he told journalists after inspecting the Airport
Emergency Exercise (Fire)-2026 at HSIA here.
Responding to a question about allegations that female passengers were being
asked to show marriage certificates at the airport, the minister said no such
incident had taken place.
"Misinformation is being spread about the airport," he said, urging people to
remain cautious about unverified content circulating on social media.
Millat said any negligence in discharging duties at the airport would face
strict action, while officials performing their responsibilities sincerely
and efficiently would be recognised.
"Passengers' lives and safety depend on the preparedness and competence of
the agencies responsible for responding to emergencies. There will be no
tolerance for negligence in performing duties," he said.
Asked about trolley facilities at HSIA, the minister said around 4,000
trolleys are currently available, while another 10,000 have been kept ready
for the airport's Third Terminal.
On allegations of non-cooperation by some airport officials, Millat said the
government was looking into the matter and taking action where necessary.
"Many people who shared the ideology of the former fascist government held
responsibilities here. They would not cooperate with the current government.
We are looking into all these matters and taking action against those
responsible. We remain vigilant," he said.
Millat called for zero compromise on aviation safety, stressing faster
emergency responses, coordinated rescue operations and equal enforcement of
security protocols to protect passengers.
"Our goal must be: zero compromise on aviation safety," he said while
addressing the Airport Emergency Exercise 2026 at HSIA here.
The minister said there is no alternative to safety, preparedness and swift
decision-making in aviation.
He said all relevant agencies must remain prepared to respond immediately to
any emergency, with passenger safety receiving the highest priority.
Regular and realistic exercises would further strengthen emergency response
capabilities and coordination among agencies, he added.
The exercise simulated an emergency involving a passenger aircraft arriving
from Bangkok with 98 passengers and five crew members.
Under the scenario, the aircraft informed the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower
shortly before landing that its right engine had caught fire and that a
technical fault had developed in its control panel.
ATC immediately declared an emergency and informed the airport executive
director and all relevant emergency service agencies.
During the simulated emergency landing, the aircraft failed to maintain the
runway centreline, moved beyond the designated section of the runway at high
speed, veered to the left, crossed Taxiway Sierra and came to a halt on the
southern side of the runway.
A fire then broke out beneath the aircraft and quickly spread, prompting
airport fire crews, ATC, rescue teams, law enforcement agencies, medical
teams and other relevant bodies to conduct coordinated firefighting, rescue,
first aid and evacuation operations.
The drill demonstrated the airport's emergency preparedness, rapid response
capabilities and coordination among participating agencies.
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md
Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, who chaired the event, said regular training,
realistic drills and effective coordination among agencies are essential for
ensuring safe aviation operations.
He said such exercises help assess the professional skills of personnel,
effectiveness of emergency equipment and the ability of agencies to mount a
coordinated response.
HSIA Executive Director Group Captain S M Ragib Samad delivered the welcome
address while Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhter
and senior officials of relevant agencies were also present.
