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The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has completed nearly 80 percent of its preparations for two major international aviation security audits by the United Kingdom’s Department for Transport (DFT) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The audits, seen as crucial for strengthening Bangladesh’s global aviation standing, will assess compliance with international security standards across key facilities.
According to a CAAB press release, the DFT audit will take place from July 14 to 17, focusing on passenger and cargo security for UK-bound flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and Osmani International Airport.
The ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) is scheduled for October 26 to November 6. ICAO experts will evaluate aviation security management and implementation at CAAB headquarters, HSIA and Osmani airport.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is closely overseeing the preparations, with Minister Afroza Khanom Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat regularly reviewing progress and issuing directives.
Coordination meetings are being held to assess readiness and address any gaps.
Preparations for the ICAO audit began in November last year, with three high-level committees formed to ensure compliance in nine key security areas. These teams are conducting regular reviews, gap analyses and corrective actions.
Officials said 75 to 80 percent of the work has already been completed, with the remaining preparations expected to be finalised by August 15.
To strengthen infrastructure, advanced X-ray machines, modern scanners and other security equipment have successfully passed Factory Acceptance Tests.
The equipment is expected to arrive in August and will be installed in phases by September 1.
CAAB will also conduct an internal pre-audit in early October to identify and address any remaining shortcomings ahead of the ICAO assessment.
Bangladesh scored 68.55 percent in ICAO’s 2018 audit, above the then global benchmark of 65 percent. This year, CAAB aims to exceed 75 percent.
In the latest DFT assessment, Bangladesh achieved 100 percent compliance in cargo security and around 93–94 percent in passenger security.
Officials expressed confidence that the ongoing preparations, upgraded equipment and close monitoring will help Bangladesh achieve improved results in both audits, further enhancing the international reputation of its airports.
