The government would adopt integrated work plan by fixing a timeline through discussion with United States and other countries for ensuring airport security so none could give security directives in future.
The decision was taken in a meeting between Bangladesh and United States (US) held at secretariat on Thursday. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon led the Bangladesh side while Assistant Secretary of US Department of Homeland Security Alan Bersin led his country.
Bangladesh informed the US team that Civil Aviation Authority is working with Red Line Securities Company of United Kingdom (UK) to upgrade the security system of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) into international standard.
The US team was apprised that Civil Aviation Act-2016 has been given approval by the Cabinet which would be placed before the parliament in next session for endorsement.
The initiative has been taken as part of upgrading the HSIA to category-I for introducing the much awaited Dhaka-New York flight. The US team said they are aware about the initiative.
CJ Collins of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), deputy chief mission David Meale, Rachel McGlynn of Transportation Security Administration, civil aviation secretary S M Golam Faruk, Civil Aviation Chairman Air Vice Marshal Ahsanul Goni Chowdhury, Biman Bangladesh Managing Director Asaduzzaman, Additional Secretary A H M Ziaul Huq, Civil Aviation member Mustafizur Rahman and Foreign Ministry Director General (US) Abida Sultana, among others, were present at the meeting.
