Airport magistrate launched a special enforcement drive on Friday at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka to eliminate harassment and forced tipping by airport staff.

Officials explicitly warned employees that demanding or accepting tips, particularly through coercion, is strictly prohibited. Staff were cautioned that forcing passengers to give money would result in severe consequences, including termination and additional punitive actions.

Magistrate imposed strict cash-carrying limits during the operation. Employees received instructions not to keep more than Tk 100 on their person while on duty. Exceeding this limit would put them "in trouble," officials warned.

Drive also focused on operational discipline and workplace cleanliness. Staff were instructed to remove unnecessary items, including unwanted tissue papers, from their work areas to maintain order.

Officials stressed that these measures aim to protect passengers from harassment, enhance service transparency and uphold airport operational standards. Forced tipping has been a long-standing complaint at Bangladesh's main international gateway, with passengers frequently reporting staff demanding money for basic services.

Operation forms part of broader efforts to ensure a safe, respectful and passenger-friendly airport environment. Drive will continue as authorities work to establish stricter disciplinary controls and ensure professionalism across all service points at the airport.

Airport staff found violating the new regulations face immediate disciplinary action. Authorities said the crackdown reflects commitment to improving passenger experience and maintaining international standards at the country's busiest aviation hub.