Dhaka, 8 January 2026 – A full-scale security drill titled “Airport Security Exercise 2026” was conducted at Cox’s Bazar Airport to strengthen preparedness against potential threats, including aircraft hijacking, bomb attacks, and passenger emergencies. The exercise was organized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) as part of its regular efforts to ensure rapid and effective response to aviation security risks and emergency situations. The drill aimed to assess operational readiness, coordination among stakeholders, and the ability to respond swiftly to complex security incidents. The event was observed by Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmood Siddique, BSP, ndc, AFWC, ACSC, psc, Chairman of CAAB, who attended as the chief guest and monitored the overall conduct of the exercise. The drill involved a Bangladesh Air Force L-410 aircraft, an AW-139 search and rescue helicopter, and personnel from Bangladesh Air Force Base Cox’s Bazar. In addition, multiple civil and security agencies participated, including CAAB, Bangladesh Army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Cox’s Bazar District Police, Armed Police Battalion (APBN), Ansar, medical teams from the Civil Surgeon’s Office and Cox’s Bazar General Hospital, as well as the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence. The exercise focused on coordinated response mechanisms, emergency evacuation, medical rescue operations, fire suppression, and law enforcement actions under simulated high-risk scenarios. It is noteworthy that following the July–August mass uprising, members of the Bangladesh Air Force have been continuously deployed at key airports across the country under In Aid to Civil Power to ensure uninterrupted security. Air Force personnel remain on high alert and fully prepared to address any potential security threats at airports nationwide.
