High alert issued at all airports over militant attack fears

Security has been tightened at all airports across the country, including the capital's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, following a general alert issued over fears of militant attacks on key installations. Surveillance has been increased at various points of the Shahjalal airport, while additional security measures have also been taken at other important facilities.

Airport sources confirmed the matter on Monday, April 27.

A formal letter signed by Police Headquarters DIG (Confidential) Kamrul Ahsan issued the alert last Thursday, April 23. Upon receiving the letter, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) immediately issued a high alert for all airports and instructed all law enforcement units deployed at the airports to take special measures.

According to sources, surveillance has been increased at all key entry points, terminals, and sensitive areas of airports. Additional intelligence personnel in both uniform and plain clothes have been deployed. Strict searches have been intensified in both arrival and departure areas.

A senior CAAB official said no specific security threat has been identified yet, but precautionary measures have been taken. Extra vigilance is being observed around night flights. Airports that do not have night flight operations have also been instructed to increase security during nighttime hours.

According to the internal letter from Police Headquarters, intelligence agencies have received information regarding regular communication between recently arrested extremist group member Ishtiaq Ahmed Sami, also known as Abu Bakkar and Abu Mohammad, and two dismissed army personnel. The members of the banned militant outfit may be planning coordinated attacks on various sensitive installations. Potential targets include the National Parliament, important police and military installations, places of worship, entertainment venues, and other key infrastructure. All law enforcement units are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to counter any threat.