Security alert at all airports

Security has been tightened at all airports in Bangladesh, including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, following an intelligence warning of potential militant attacks on key installations.

Airport officials confirmed on Monday that additional security measures and alerts had been issued across the country.

The increased surveillance follows a warning letter sent from police headquarters to the Civil Aviation Authority. Upon receiving the letter, the authority instructed all law enforcement units operating at the airports to implement special security measures. 

At Hazrat Shahjalal Airport, security has been visibly increased around vital areas. Extra personnel in both uniform and plain clothes have been deployed, while intelligence surveillance and passenger checks at arrival and departure points have been strengthened. Staff have been ordered to report any suspicious activity immediately and respond swiftly.

A senior civil aviation official stated that while no specific threat has been received against the airports, the authorities are acting on advance warnings. The official explained that security is periodically enhanced as part of routine procedures, but the recent police letter contributed to the current measures.

Special attention has been given to ensuring thorough searches at all entry points, even those without dedicated security staff. Furthermore, airports that do not handle night flights have been instructed to maintain strong security patrols after dark.

The initial police alert, issued on Thursday, April 23, warned of a possible plot by a banned militant organisation. According to an internal police memo signed by DIG Kamrul Ahsan, intelligence suggests members of the group are in regular contact and planning coordinated strikes. The memo noted that two dismissed army personnel had been in communication with a recently arrested extremist, Istiak Ahmed Sami.

Potential targets listed in the warning include the National Parliament, military and police installations, places of worship, entertainment centres, and other critical infrastructure. Because the militant group is reportedly exploring various attack methods, police headquarters has ordered all relevant units to increase security at vulnerable locations and improve intelligence coordination to prevent any incidents.

Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, the executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, confirmed that additional precautionary measures are now in place across all airports in the country in response to the current national security atmosphere.