Photo: CAAB

DHAKA, Aug 19, 2026 (BSS) - The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) today conducted fire drills at its headquarters and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's cargo area to strengthen emergency response capabilities and overall fire-safety preparedness.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq witnessed the drills held this afternoon while other CAAB members and senior officials observed different stages of the exercises, said a CAAB press release.

The drills simulated fire emergencies to assess rapid response capabilities, proper use of firefighting equipment and effective coordination among officials and employees during emergency situations.

The exercises particularly focused on immediate actions during the initial stages of a fire, bringing the situation under control swiftly, safe evacuation and proper techniques for using 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 served as the chief coordinator of the drill at CAAB headquarters while Member (ATM) Air Commodore Md Nur-E-Alam coordinated the exercise at Shahjalal airport's cargo area.

Observing the drills, the CAAB chairman stressed the importance of regular training, awareness and coordinated preparedness among all relevant units to safeguard 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 said.

He said the preparedness and skills of officials and employees must be further enhanced through regular training and drills.

The CAAB Chairman said 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 said 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.