Armed Police Battalion (APBN) and Aviation Security (AVSEC) face each other over security arrangements at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. APBN members were not allowed to perform their duties in the apron area of the airport in Dhaka.
The Armed Police Battalion filed a general diary on October 29 with Airport Police Station against the Aviation Security (AVSEC) alleging vandalism at their office inside the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and taking away goods.
Assistant Superintendent of Police of the APBN Zakir Hossain filed the GD accusing AVSEC for grabbing their office near Airport Gate 33 as well. Officials said that after the fall of Sheikh Hasina amid student-led uprising on August 5, the APBN members left the airport when AVSEC led by Air Forces took charge.
The APBN is now conducting duty at the landside area. But they have wanted charge of airside, which led to the conflict, said the airport officials.
According to the GD, the AVSEC asked the APBN to remove their goods from an office used by them. But the APBN was not relocating them as they had kept their documents, stickers, CCTV camera, signboard and computers, among others.
Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) said AVSEC is the own security forces of the airport. Aviation Security (AVSEC) is a Division working for the security of passengers, crew and aircraft at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Air Force personnel under the 'In Aid to Civil Power' initiative provided guidance to the deployed personnel, he added.
There are no conflict with other forces, he added, in recent circumstances, the Bangladesh Air Force has effectively handled security duties at various airports and nearby areas, supporting civilian authorities with professionalism, he added.
The primary responsibilities of AVSEC are screening passengers and their belongings for prohibited items, such as weapons, explosives, and illegal drugs, conducting security checks on aircraft and cargo, patrolling airport grounds and facilities to deter and detect security threats, responding to security incidents and emergencies, working with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the aviation system.
AVSEC plays a vital role in keeping our skies safe. The personnel of AVSEC are highly trained and skilled professionals who are dedicated to protecting the public travelling through the airport.
The authorities have strengthened the security arrangements at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) to ensure safety and security of all concerned.
A total of 850 Air Force personnel under Aviation Security Forces have been engaged in ensuring safety and security of the outgoing and incoming passengers. In addition to the Air Force, the Aviation Security Force has 1500 staff members who have been working in three shifts. Besides, there are over 1000 Ansar members at the airport.
According to sources they are fully devoted and committed to ensuring the safety and security of the passengers as well as the airport. The concerned security personnel will perform their duty in four shifts instead of the three shifts for ensuring smooth functioning of the airport, he said.
According to sources that Air Force personnel for their efforts in providing enhanced security and assistance to passengers during arrivals and departures. Additionally, Air Force plays a role in ensuring safe take-off and landing of aircraft.
There are significant improvements in passenger baggage retrieval, anti-corruption, and anti-smuggling efforts, noting the increased national and international reputation of the airport.
