Unravelling the hijack mystery

It is a matter of relief that all passengers, crew and pilots disembarked safely from the Dubai-bound aircraft of Biman Bangladesh Airlines at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram on Sunday after a man allegedly attempted to hijack the plane which took off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. But the incident created confusion. Airport security is now in question. In fact, many questions have come to the fore as to how a man embarked on an aircraft and was killed in a commando operation.

The authorities have not made it clear as to whether the weapon carried by the man was genuine or not. Various media reports have appeared about this. Genuine or not, it is not possible to carry firearms and embark on an aircraft, crossing the existing security measures. State minister for civil aviation said it is not possible to embark an aircraft, passing through different layers of security. How did the incident take place?

RAB has identified the man who attempted to hijack the aircraft, as Palash Ahmed. Many questions will remain unanswered after his death in the commando operation. But the authorities have to unearth how an alleged hijacker with arms embarked on the aircraft, despite the security measures at the airport. A negative message will go to the international arena about the vulnerable security of Bangladesh airports. This may have a far-reaching impact.

Bringing about an allegation of weak security and flaws at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, United Kingdom stopped direct cargo flights from Dhaka in March of 2016. UK also threatened that they would stop direct passenger flight if the security was not improved. The ban tarnished the image of the country. This was not a bilateral issue between the UK and Bangladesh. At that time, EU, US and Australia asked UK to monitor the security of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Bangladesh was able to withdraw the ban after improving the security and complying with different conditions in February 2018.

It is a continuous process to maintain the quality of security of any airport. Security flaws at the country’s main airport came to the fore after the Sunday’s incident of the alleged plane hijack. Bangladesh may be under pressure anew in the international arena. The state minister for civil aviation is confident about the tight security of the airport. But is a fact a man with arms was able to embark on the aircraft. A proper investigation is necessary as to how and why the incident took place.

The civil aviation ministry has meanwhile formed a probe body. It has to identify the shortcomings of security through proper investigation. At the same time the government has to take steps to address the flaws. This has to be presented in the international arena. It is urgent to gain trust. We hope the civil aviation ministry will handle the situation efficiently.