Authorities have strengthened security in and around Shah Amanat International Airport and the seaport amid fears of possible cyberattacks.

To prevent any untoward incidents, the airport and police authorities have taken joint precautionary measures including setting up a four-tier security cordon around the airport and banning all rallies, processions, and demonstrations near the airport, port, and customs areas.

Group Captain Sheikh Abdullah Alamgir, Director of Shah Amanat International Airport, told UNB that the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) issued a nationwide alert to all airports to guard against potential cyberattacks targeting aviation systems.

“Even before the alert, we had intensified security at the Chattogram airport to avert any unwanted situation,” he said.

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“Surveillance on suspicious passengers has been increased and our own security personnel are patrolling the airport area round the clock. Besides, a task force led by the Bangladesh Air Force remains active to ensure overall security.”

Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil, the airport’s Public Relations Officer, said that due to the dense population around the Patenga area where the airport is located, special attention is being given to the perimeter and surrounding  areas.

Armed Battalion Police and Ansar members are working to ensure comprehensive security, including maintaining the airport’s boundary wall and restricting unauthorised access, he addded.

A four-tier security system has been activated covering the entry gate, checkpoints, baggage scanning areas, and runway zones, he said.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has also tightened security measures at the port to ensure smooth import-export activities.

CMP Deputy Commissioner (Traffic-Port) Kabir Ahmed said police have issued a 30-day ban on all rallies and gatherings in key areas including Barik Building, Nimtala, Customs Crossing, and Saltgola intersections.

“Earlier, the Chattogram Port Authority had requested the CMP Commissioner to prohibit gatherings within the port and jetty areas to maintain operational security,” he added.

The port and airport areas, stretching from Agrabad to the Patenga coastline — covering about 12 square kilometers — host several vital installations including two government EPZs, the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna oil depots, and multiple public and private oil refineries.