United Kingdom's (UK) Department for Transport (DFT) will conduct the aviation security audit from July 14 to 17 in Bangladesh focusing on security arrangements for passengers and cargo bound for UK from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and Osmani International Airport.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has completed nearly 80 percent of its preparations for two major international aviation security audits by the United Kingdom's Department for Transport (DFT) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), according to a press release form CAAB. 

The audits, which will assess Bangladesh's compliance with international aviation security standards, are considered crucial for enhancing the country's standing in the global aviation sector.

In the latest DFT assessment, Bangladesh achieved 100 percent compliance in cargo security and 93-94 percent compliance in passenger security, the press release added.

Bangladesh scored 68.55 percent in ICAO's 2018 security audit, surpassing the then international benchmark of 65 percent. The authority is targeting a score of more than 75 percent in this year's audit which is scheduled to be held from October 26 to November 6. During the audit, ICAO experts will assess aviation security management and implementation at the CAAB headquarters, HSIA and Osmani International Airport. 

The release said the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is closely supervising the preparations, with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat regularly reviewing progress and providing necessary directives.

Coordination meetings are also being held periodically to evaluate preparedness and address outstanding issues, it added.

CAAB officials expressed confidence that the ongoing preparations, combined with the installation of modern security equipment and close high-level monitoring, would help Bangladesh achieve improved results in both audits, further enhancing the international reputation of the country's airports and strengthening its position in the global aviation security framework.