SM Mizanur Rahman :
The government has beefed up security in and around all its three international airports, key point installations and other strategic points in a bid to thwart any possible act of sabotage, sources said.
“In the wake of latest terror attacks on Shia Muslim community’s Ashura gathering and killing of two foreigners, the security measures have been beefed up in and around the three international airports,” Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon told The New Nation on Monday.
He said, vigilance has been heightened through close circuit cameras at each gate of the three international airports-Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), Dhaka, Shah Amanat International Airport, Chittagong and Osmani International Airport, Sylhet.
Replying to a query, he said as airports are treated as sensitive and Key Point Installations, all out security measures have been taken there to thwart any possible act of sabotage.”Apart from these, restriction has been imposed on visitors’ entry to the airport terminal,” the Civil Aviation Minister said, adding orders have also been issued to beef up security at all major installations.
When contacted, HSIA Director Capt MK Zakir Hassan termed tightened security measures as routine work, saying no red alert has been issued at the airport.
“We have streamlined security measures and heightened vigilance in and around the HSIA,” he said.
On Monday morning, some national dailies and private television channels ran stories that red alert had been issued at all three international airports.
In the afternoon, Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, in a statement, said no red alert was issued but some media ran stories that would mislead the people.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said security has been beefed up not only at the airports but all KPIs and strategic points across the country.
Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Alamgir Hossain Shimul and ASP Tanjina Akhter of Airport Armed Police Battalion told journalists that following the verbal instruction from the police headquarters, visitors’ entry have been restricted.
“We are continuing searching at all sensitive places at the airport. Except passengers none is allowed to enter the airport. Observing the overall law and order, the decision regarding strengthening of security measures has been taken,” Alamgir said.
He said that based on intelligence reports as the criminals along with explosives could enter the airport, the security has been tightened.
ASP Tanjina Akter said as they have obtained information that the criminals with explosives could storm the airport, they remain alert.
“We have deployed our troops and intensified intelligence vigil at all major airport, since Monday morning,” she said.
Meanwhile, the authorities in port city Chittagong have beefed up security at the Shah Amanat International Airport alongside the key point installations, including the three main oil depots, to check possible acts of sabotage.
Additional Commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police AKM Shahidur Rahman said security has been strengthened at airport, important establishments and KPI, including railway stations.
“We have remained alert so that none can carry any arms and ammunition in the airport. Apart from regular forces, we have deployed 2000 additional law enforcers,” he said.
Witnesses and airport officials said the security agencies have enforced a strict vigil in and around the airport.
“The entry of the visitors at the airport has also been strictly regulated,” an airport official said.
Besides, security has also been beefed up at Osmani International Airport, Sylhet following tip-off on subversive activities.
