Bangladesh issues aviation security order ahead of ICAO audit

Dhaka : Bangladesh has introduced a dedicated aviation security order as authorities prepare for an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit scheduled to begin October 26, giving existing airport security practices a clearer legal foundation.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) gazetted the Air Navigation Order (ANO) on aviation security on September 3. Officials said the measure is among the areas expected to come under scrutiny during the upcoming international assessment.

Air Commodore Md Asif Iqbal, CAAB member for security, said the order provides a publicly accessible legal framework for security requirements that are already largely in practice.

The ANO establishes responsibilities for airports, airlines, passengers and other aviation stakeholders. It also makes violations punishable under the Civil Aviation Act, 2017.

Authorities stressed that the order does not introduce a major new set of screening procedures. Instead, it formalizes requirements that had previously been implemented through other instructions and through the confidential National Civil Aviation Security Program.

Among its provisions, the order allows airlines to refuse check-in or boarding when a passenger's behavior or condition creates a security concern. In serious cases, baggage may have to be removed from the aircraft and law enforcement authorities notified.

The rules also reaffirm restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels, requiring containers to hold no more than 100 milliliters and to fit inside a transparent, resealable one-liter bag. Passengers who refuse security screening can also be denied boarding.

Background checks are required for personnel responsible for security controls, people seeking unescorted access to restricted areas and those handling sensitive aviation security information. The checks will be conducted by the Special Branch of Bangladesh Police.

CAAB acknowledged that staffing and equipment gaps remain. Recruitment is underway, while the Armed Police Battalion is temporarily handling some landside security duties. The authority has also procured additional screening equipment, including explosive trace detectors, dual-view baggage scanners and four body scanners.

The security order comes as Bangladesh works on replacing the Civil Aviation Rules, 1984, with a new regulatory framework intended to better align the country's aviation sector with international standards.

CAAB officials said security capabilities will continue to evolve as new technologies and infrastructure, including the planned operation of the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, come online.

The ICAO audit will assess Bangladesh's implementation of international aviation security standards, with the results contributing to the country's overall compliance rating.