Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat instructed Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) officials to ensure expat-friendly services and follow zero tolerance policy against irregularities.

Both of them attended exchange meeting with CAAB officials at authority headquarters in Kurmitola, Dhaka on Thursday. Meeting began with introduction session where CAAB’s history and crucial role in managing country’s airspace was discussed.

Minister and State Minister later inspected third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka airport) and reviewed implementation progress. They requested cooperation from all concerned to rapidly launch terminal for public use. Officials also inspected cargo village and import cargo terminal damaged in recent fire.

Minister Rita told lounge staff that improving service quality for passengers arriving from abroad is now demand of time. Many expatriate brothers and sisters face difficulties at airport due to lack of understanding various matters. “We must ensure our expatriate brothers and sisters do not suffer any hardship. Remember, their hard-earned money contributes significantly to country's economy and our salaries come from that money. Therefore, we must show them utmost respect and sincerity”, she said.

She announced that her ministry will conduct surprise inspections to ensure service quality.

State Minister Millat said that culture of addressing expatriate workers as ‘sir’ should be developed as part of showing respect. He instructed maintaining overall cleanliness at airport, strengthening monitoring system and proper discharge of duties by all concerned.

“Maximum caution must be taken to prevent any fire incidents or security risks in future. Accountability must be increased at all levels to ensure passenger services and zero tolerance policy must be followed against irregularities”, Millat added.

Officials and employees pledged to work collectively to improve service quality and ensure passenger-friendly environment.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasrin Jahan, CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mustafa Mahmud Siddique and senior officials from ministry and CAAB were present.