Conflict over Security Responsibilities at Dhaka Airport | Dhaka Airport: APBn is at loggerheads with the air force over security duties

A conflict has arisen between the Aviation Security Force (AVSEC) and the Airport Armed Police Battalion (APBn) over security responsibilities at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).

APBn claims that AVSEC took control of their office on October 28, hindering their ability to carry out their duties effectively.

On October 29, APBn filed a general log (HG) with the Airport Police Station in this regard.

However, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) denies any conflict between the two forces, saying that each is fulfilling its responsibilities within its own jurisdiction.

Mohammad Sihab Kaiser Khan, APBn Airport Commander, told The Daily Star: “We want our reinstatement… we just want to police, do regular duty to ensure security, law and order in the airport like we did before. .”

Accusations from APBn —

– AVSEC took control of the Airside Command office of APBn

– APBn banned from terminal and platform security operations

– APBn desk tools removed and panel damaged

– CAAB limits the mandate of APBn despite international regulations

– AVSEC released traffic suspects, neglecting appropriate legal actions

In response to this, CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mr. Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan said, “Everyone is performing their duties from their respective positions. There is no problem with anyone. Aviation security is doing its duty and APBn should be operating outside, which they are doing.”

“Some unpleasant situations may arise while working together, but these problems can be solved internally. We are committed to working collaboratively — aviation, civil aviation and APBn — to ensure security,” he told this newspaper.

Regarding APBn’s office space, the president explained that APBn has several offices inside and covers a large area around the airport.

Responding to questions about limiting APBn access, he reiterated: “APBn is responsible for carrying out tasks outside… we will be happy if they do their duty properly.”

APBn officials said about 1,050 APBn personnel were stationed at 79 posts on the land side (the area between the airport boundary and the boarding gates), the terminal building and the apron side (where aircraft are parked, loaded and maintained) before August 5 .

They claim that the civil aviation authority is now restricting APBn from performing duties in the terminal building and apron areas.

An APBn official, who requested anonymity, cited the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Aviation Security Manual Book 1, Section 10.4.1.1, which mandates the APBn to prevent and detect crimes within civil aviation facilities.

This includes surveillance and patrols in designated areas of the airport, as well as passenger and baggage security screening, with authority shared between law enforcement agencies, immigration officers and airport police.

The arrangement of the various security forces at the HSIA has been a topic of discussion since 2010. Following a series of meetings, the Home Office directed the Inspector General of Police on 19 July 2010 to establish a dedicated APBn force for the HSIA, known as by the Armed Aviation Police.

Meanwhile, a week has passed since APBn filed the HG, but the police have not taken action.

The DG said that the office tools of the APBn Air Command and Control Center were removed and the panel was found broken. Also, the APBn logo on the office gate, in which a panel reads “BAF Task Force”, has been removed.

Ershad Ahmed, officer-in-charge of the airport police station, told The Daily Star, “I have informed the CAAB chairman about the GD. Both are government bodies and the CAAB chairman is responsible for managing airport matters. We expect the president to solve the problem”.

NO MAJOR DETECTION IN THREE MONTHS

APBn officials say they did a great job when they were allowed to work freely.

According to the database, APBn seized 1,008 kilograms of gold, 3.54 lakh yaba, 58,621 cartons of cigarettes, 2,928 liters of liquor and 47,737 kilograms of cosmetics.

But now, confusion arises while preventing crimes.

For example, on October 26, two Chinese nationals and two Bangladeshi women were found involved in an altercation at the HSIA departure area.

The women were suspected of being victims of trafficking, but AVSEC members released them all after giving an undertaking, while the matter should have been resolved through court proceedings.

THE MINISTER ASKED THE CAAB AUTHORITY

In another development, the finance ministry has asked the CAAB to explain in writing under whose direction members of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) have been deployed to HSIA.

Signed by Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Syed Ali Bin Hasan, the letter was sent to the CAAB Chairman on October 29.

The letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Daily Star, says: “Whether the consent of the Chief Counsel, who is in charge of the Ministry of Defence, has been obtained for the inclusion of 1,450 members of the Bangladesh Air Force under the In Aid to Civil Power Act Is there any possibility to employ members of the Air Force under the act under CAAB rules or regulations?

The letter also asked questions about the relevant rules for the CAAB to pay allowances to Air Force members employed under the Civilian Power Support Act, how much money from the CAAB fund will be used to pay their allowances and whether this amount is in concordance with CAAB. income and financial expenses.

In another letter dated November 3, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism also sought clarifications from the CAAB chairman regarding the increase in manpower engaged in airport security.

Regarding the letters, CAAB chairman Monjur Kabir said, “It is routine work. The Chief Counsel approved the dispatch of members of the Air Force in support of the civil authority. I have already answered the ministry’s question”.