JS body for relaxing security check for VIPs

A parliamentary body today recommended to relax the security checking for MPs and other VIPs at the country’s airports and make separate security checking queue for them. 

The parliamentary standing committee on civil aviation ministry also asked Biman to enquire into the irregularities and corruption in the selling of Biman tickets as a lawmaker raised the issue.

The parliamentary watchdog came up with the recommendations at a meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with ruling Awami League MP RAM Obaidul Moktadir Chowdhury in the chair, sources at the meeting said.

In reply, secretary, civil aviation ministry, Mohibul Haque, who was present at the meeting, informed the committee that his ministry has no jurisdiction to relax security check for VIPs as the matter is related to government’s high-ups and Prime Ministers’ Office is involved in it.

The committee chief, however, requested the ministry to look into the matter.

Pointing to security checks at the airports, a lawmaker told the meeting that strict checking at all the airports must be ensured. But taking off shoes, belts and coats of VIPs can be exempted during their checking.

The lawmaker also suggested to make a separate lane for checking of VIPs.

Others members of the committee supported the lawmaker’s proposal, the source said.

Civil Aviation Ministry recently issued a notification for all airports to ensure full proof security following February 24 hijack bid of an aircraft of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, BG 147 while going to Dubai via Chattogram.

Later, several incidents took place at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in which at least 4 passengers were detained for carrying arms and live bullets at the airport without prior declaration.