Dhaka: The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) today carried out fire drills at its headquarters and the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to boost emergency response capabilities and overall fire-safety preparedness.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq observed the drills this afternoon, accompanied by other CAAB members and senior officials, who monitored various stages of the exercises. The drills simulated fire emergencies to evaluate rapid response capabilities, the proper use of firefighting equipment, and effective coordination among officials and employees during emergency situations.
The exercises specifically emphasized immediate actions during the initial stages of a fire, quickly bringing the situation under control, ensuring safe evacuation, and using correct techniques for deploying firefighting equipment. They also tested communication and coordination among relevant units and their ability to respond effectively during emergencies.
CAAB Member (Security) Air Commodore Md Asif Iqbal acted as the chief coordinator of the drill at the CAAB headquarters, while Member (ATM) Air Commodore Md Nur-E-Alam coordinated the exercise at Shahjalal airport’s cargo area.
During the observation, the CAAB chairman highlighted the importance of regular training, awareness, and coordinated preparedness among all relevant units to protect lives, property, and critical aviation infrastructure. “Alongside modern infrastructure and equipment, trained manpower and the capacity to respond swiftly during emergencies are critically important for ensuring the safety and security of airports and other key aviation-related installations,” Siddiq stated.
He emphasized the need for enhancing the preparedness and skills of officials and employees through regular training and drills. The CAAB chairman explained that such practical exercises help assess the effectiveness of existing fire-safety arrangements while providing an opportunity to identify potential shortcomings. “Observations from the drills will be reviewed, and safety measures and training programmes will be further strengthened as necessary,” he added.
CAAB explained that the exercises were pre-planned and conducted solely for training purposes, aimed at assessing emergency preparedness, operational skills, and coordination among relevant units while further strengthening the authority’s overall fire-safety system.