Bangladesh’s aviation security system has improved in the latest security assessment by the UK Department for Transport (DfT), with Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport scoring 94% and Osmani International Airport 98%.
According to a press release issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab) today (20 September), Shahjalal’s score rose by one percentage point from 93% in 2025, while Osmani’s increased by four points from 94%.
The DfT assessment reviewed security measures for passengers, cargo and mail at the two airports, particularly those handling traffic to the UK.
Bangladesh also achieved 100% compliance in the Additional Measures Assessment for cargo security, according to Caab.
The aviation regulator said the results reflect continued improvement in the country’s aviation security system and could help strengthen confidence among passengers, airlines, businesses and other stakeholders.
Bangladesh has been under the European Union’s High Risk Cargo and Mail (HRCM) regime since 2017, requiring additional security measures for cargo and mail bound for Europe. The restrictions have increased processing times and costs for exporters.
Caab said it has raised the issue of withdrawing the HRCM restrictions with the relevant authorities.
However, it noted that removing the status would depend on the EU’s own risk assessment and formal procedures.
The latest DfT assessment is also expected to help Bangladesh prepare for an upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Security Audit Programme–Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) audit, scheduled for 26 October to 6 November.
The ICAO audit will assess aviation security management and its implementation at Caab headquarters, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Osmani International Airport.
Caab Member (Security) Air Commodore Md Asif Iqbal said coordinated efforts by Caab’s Aviation Security Division, airport authorities and other stakeholders contributed to the latest results.
He also credited the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism’s overall supervision, the Caab chairman’s guidance and cooperation among different Caab departments for preparations for the assessment.
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