Security Checks at Airports: It has to be 'foolproof'
The Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry yesterday instructed all airports to ensure “foolproof” security checks amid allegations of security breaches at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The ministry also said that actor Ilias Kanchan lied about his firearm passing through the airport scanners undetected.
The film star and road safety campaigner on Tuesday said his handbag, containing a firearm, passed through the HSIA scanners undetected.
On February 25, a young man named Polash Ahmed boarded a plane of Biman with a “toy gun” and allegedly attempted to hijack the aircraft. He died during a commando operation after the aircraft landed at Hazrat Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram.
Ilias, who was flying to Chattogram from the HSIA by a private airliner, told The Daily Star that he forgot about the firearm and put the handbag in the scanner. However, he remembered about it moments later and was shocked that it did not raise any alarm.
Following the allegation, aviation experts said there were serious security loopholes at the HSIA and repeated security breaches would have an adverse impact on the country's growing aviation industry.
Two separate probe bodies were formed following the incidents.
After the attempted hijack, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab) suspended five HSIA security staffers.
After Tuesday's allegation, the Caab suspended a scanner operator.
Mohibul Haque, secretary of the civil aviation ministry, yesterday said the authorities concerned of all airports were asked to take necessary steps to reshape the overall security checks at the airports.
“The security officials and staffers involved in checking will not be allowed to carry mobile phones while on duty. It would be strictly monitored,” he said.
They were asked to deposit their phones at a certain place at the beginning of their duties, he added.
The employees were previously asked to keep their mobile phones switched off while on duty. But it had been difficult to ensure that the phones were actually turned off, Mohibul said.
The ministry also instructed the security officials to wear their uniforms.
Following the alleged hijack attempt, CAAB said while flying within the country, travelers would have to show a photo ID.
According to rules, a security scanning staffer is not allowed to work for over 20 minutes. This rule was used to be broken quite often, Mohibul said.
'ILIAS LIED'
The aviation ministry yesterday said Ilias Kanchan had been telling one lie after another to the media.
The ministry at a press release said the pistol and bullets in Ilias' handbag was detected at the “anti-hijacking point” of the HSIA domestic terminal.
“He admitted his fault when the airport officials asked him about this [the pistol]. He left the spot when the security officials requested him to follow the due procedure," it said.
Asked about the ministry's claim, Ilias said, “Why don't they release the CCTV footage? The footage will clarify who is lying.”
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