DHAKA, July 12, 2026 (BSS)– The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has completed nearly 80 percent of its preparations for two major international aviation security audits by the United Kingdom's Department for Transport (DFT) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 

The audits, which will assess Bangladesh's compliance with international aviation security standards, are considered crucial for enhancing the country's standing in the global aviation sector.

According to a CAAB press release, the DFT security audit will be conducted from July 14 to 17, focusing on security arrangements for passengers and cargo bound for the United Kingdom from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and Osmani International Airport.

The ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) is scheduled for October 26 to November 6. During the audit, ICAO experts will assess aviation security management and implementation at the CAAB headquarters, HSIA and Osmani International Airport.

The release said the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is closely supervising the preparations, with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat regularly reviewing progress and providing necessary directives.

Coordination meetings are also being held periodically to evaluate preparedness and address outstanding issues, it added.

Preparations for the ICAO audit began in November last year, with three high-level committees formed to oversee compliance in nine key aviation security areas. The committees are conducting regular reviews, gap analyses and recommending corrective measures to ensure full compliance with international standards.

Monthly progress review meetings are being held under the leadership of the CAAB Member (Security), while the CAAB Chairman chairs coordination meetings every two months involving all relevant agencies.

Officials said 75 to 80 percent of the overall preparations have already been completed, with the remaining work expected to be completed by August 15.

As part of efforts to strengthen airport security infrastructure, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) of advanced X-ray machines, modern scanners and other security equipment have been completed successfully. The equipment is expected to arrive in August and will be installed in phases by September 1.

CAAB will also conduct an internal pre-audit in the first week of October to identify and rectify any remaining shortcomings before the ICAO assessment.

According to CAAB, Bangladesh scored 68.55 percent in ICAO's 2018 security audit, surpassing the then international benchmark of 65 percent. The authority is targeting a score of more than 75 percent in this year's audit.

In the latest DFT assessment, Bangladesh achieved 100 percent compliance in cargo security and 93-94 percent compliance in passenger security.

CAAB officials expressed confidence that the ongoing preparations, combined with the installation of modern security equipment and close high-level monitoring, would help Bangladesh achieve improved results in both audits, further enhancing the international reputation of the country's airports and strengthening its position in the global aviation security framework.