Ahead of the return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has been placed under a tight security blanket.
From early Thursday morning, a large number of law enforcement personnel have been deployed at the airport’s two main gates. Entry is restricted to passengers only; anyone deemed suspicious is subject to search.
Members of the Bangladesh Army, Airport Armed Police, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are on high alert.
On-the-ground visits to different airport gates showed a heavy presence of law enforcement personnel since morning. In particular, the Airport Armed Police, DMP and the army are jointly performing security duties.
Airport Armed Police Superintendent Rezual Islam told Dhaka Tribune that security operations have been underway since morning to ensure safety. “Additional members of the APBN have been deployed, and the Crisis Response Team (CRT) is conducting patrols,” he said.
He added that no activity that could disrupt security would be allowed at the airport.
Responding to a query, he said the APBn, DMP and the army are jointly carrying out their responsibilities in coordination.
Meanwhile, an airport source said that in addition to the security measures outside the airport, similar arrangements have been made inside the terminal. Aviation Security (Avsec) and the Bangladesh Air Force are deployed inside the airport.
At the same time, a large number of BNP leaders and activists were seen on the main roads surrounding the airport, carrying banners and festoons.
