Two security personnel at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have been removed from their duties following an incident involving Bangladeshi-Norwegian expatriate passenger Saeed Uddin, who was reportedly injured. The Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Air Vice Marshal Md. Mofidur Rahman, confirmed that an investigation report into the incident has been submitted. He assured that further investigations will take place and appropriate actions will follow.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (January 16) regarding the progress of the airport’s third terminal, the CAAB chairman noted that the involved security personnel have been withdrawn and returned to their respective forces pending further investigation. He refrained from disclosing their identities but emphasized the necessity for both airport security personnel and passengers to maintain politeness and patience.

He highlighted that 24 agencies currently operate within the airport, all working collaboratively to ensure security. According to him, no agency acts as an adversary to another, but mistakes, if made, will be addressed with strict measures. He reiterated that CAAB is committed to upholding accountability, and investigations into allegations against any personnel are ongoing.

The press conference also included updates on the ongoing construction and expansion projects at several airports, including Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal, as well as airports in Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar, Jashore, Bogura, and Saidpur. The chairman revealed that except for Sylhet, the projects at all these airports are expected to be completed within this year.

Regarding the third terminal, the chairman stated that 99% of the work is complete, with apron construction already finished and ready for use. Remaining tasks, such as ceiling work and boarding bridge installation at two corners of the terminal, are expected to be completed by March. While the VVIP facilities are 65% finished, efforts are being made to expedite the process.

The chairman expressed confidence that the terminal would begin operations this year, with a tentative opening scheduled for October or November. He noted that the project cost $2.1 billion, funded through a loan from JICA and contributions from the government, underscoring the importance of timely completion.

When asked about the parking layout of the third terminal, he acknowledged that placing the car park in front of the building might have affected the terminal’s aesthetic appeal. However, he speculated that the decision was made due to space constraints.

He also addressed plans for the terminal’s operations and maintenance, mentioning that discussions with a Japanese company would take place soon. The chairman assured that no compromises would be made regarding the quality of the project.

In response to questions about removing the Airport Armed Police Battalion (APBn) from the airport, the chairman clarified that there are no conflicts with APBn. He explained that APBn was originally deployed in 2010 to manage external security duties around the airport, which remain their primary responsibility. Other agencies, such as customs, Ansar, immigration police, and aviation security (AvSec), will continue to perform their designated roles without interference.

The chairman concluded by reiterating CAAB’s commitment to maintaining security and operational efficiency across all its airports while ensuring the timely completion of critical infrastructure projects.