CAAB says 80% prepared for DFT, ICAO security audits

Dhaka: The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has completed around 75%-80% of its preparations for two major international aviation security audits by the UK's Department for Transport (DFT) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), officials said.

The DFT is scheduled to conduct its aviation security audit in Bangladesh from July 14 to 17, focusing on passenger and cargo security for UK-bound flights operating from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.

The audit will assess whether passenger screening and cargo and mail security measures comply with international aviation security standards, said a press release.

Meanwhile, ICAO's Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) will take place from October 26 to November 6. ICAO experts will evaluate aviation security management and implementation at CAAB headquarters, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and Osmani International Airport.

According to officials, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has placed the two international audits on high priority and is closely monitoring the preparation process. The minister and state minister are regularly reviewing progress and providing necessary guidance, while coordination meetings are being held periodically at the ministry to assess readiness and decide on further actions.

Preparations for the ICAO audit began in November last year, with three high-level committees formed to oversee compliance across nine key aviation security areas. The committees have been conducting regular reviews and gap analyses and recommending corrective measures to ensure compliance with international standards.

As part of the preparation, CAAB's Member (Security) chairs monthly progress review meetings, while the CAAB Chairman holds coordination meetings every two months with all relevant agencies to evaluate progress, identify challenges, and provide strategic direction.

Officials said overall readiness has now reached 75-80%, with the remaining work expected to be completed by August 15.

To strengthen airport security infrastructure, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for new X-ray machines, advanced scanners, and other security equipment have already been completed successfully. The equipment is expected to arrive in Bangladesh in August and be installed in phases by September 1.

Ahead of the ICAO inspection, CAAB also plans to conduct an internal pre-audit during the first week of October to identify any remaining shortcomings and implement corrective measures before the official assessment.

According to CAAB, Bangladesh scored 68.55% in the 2018 ICAO aviation security audit, exceeding the global benchmark of 65%. The authority is aiming to achieve a score of more than 75% in this year's audit.

In the most recent DFT audit, Bangladesh achieved a 100% score in cargo security and approximately 93-94% in passenger security.