The Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) has introduced a system allowing passengers to monitor baggage handling at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. A total of 32 CCTV cameras and 18 65-inch monitors have been installed across eight baggage belt areas to provide live footage of the process, from unloading luggage from aircraft to its arrival at the baggage carousel.

Kawser Mahmud, assistant director of CAAB’s Public Relations Division, confirmed the development. He said the authority had begun using advanced technology in baggage management, enabling passengers to track their luggage and observe whether any problems occur during handling.

According to CAAB, four cameras have been installed in the baggage area of each carousel. The monitors will display live footage of baggage unloading, transportation, sorting and delivery to the carousels. The initiative is expected to improve transparency and accountability while reducing passengers’ concerns over lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

Investigation committee formed following High Court directive
Following a directive issued by the High Court Division on July 9, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism formed a high-level independent investigation committee to prevent baggage loss, damage, cutting and theft at the airport. An official order in this regard was issued by the ministry’s Law-1 Branch on August 10.

After completing its investigation and assessment, the six-member committee made several recommendations to improve transparency, security and accountability in baggage handling.

The committee was headed by CAAB Member (Administration) SM Lablur Rahman. Its members included CAAB Member (Security) Air Commodore Asif Iqbal, the chairman of the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the director of Customer Service and Cargo at Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and the director of the Dhaka Division of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection.

Recommendations to strengthen surveillance
Among the committee’s six-point recommendations was the introduction of live monitoring throughout the baggage handling process, from unloading luggage from aircraft to its arrival at the baggage carousel in the arrivals area.

The committee also recommended identifying areas not covered by CCTV cameras and installing additional cameras, requiring personnel involved in baggage handling to wear body cameras, and preserving recorded footage for a specified period.

It also stressed the need for adequate staffing, round-the-clock surveillance and regular training for employees on modern technology, secure baggage handling and standard operating procedures.

The recommendations further stated that if a bag was found cut open, tampered with or damaged at the originating or transit airport, a warning should be issued before it reached its final destination. Photographs of the affected baggage should also be sent by email, and identification stickers should be attached to damaged bags.

The committee recommended exemplary disciplinary action under existing regulations if baggage theft or negligence was established. It also called for regular audits of CCTV and body-camera footage, along with surprise inspections.

Other recommendations included awareness campaigns advising passengers not to place valuables in checked baggage and the formation of a dedicated public relations team or media cell to disseminate accurate information. The committee also recommended legal action against the spread of misleading or negative information without evidence or verification.

CAAB said it would continue expanding technology-driven and passenger-friendly services to protect travellers’ interests, ensure safe and comfortable journeys, and develop airport management in line with international standards.