Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and Fire Service and Civil Defence directorate signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday to strengthen search, rescue and firefighting operations at airports nationwide.

Agreement was signed at CAAB headquarters in Kurmitola at on Thursday morning, witnessed by CAAB chairman Air Vice Marshal Mohammad Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq and Fire Service director general Brigadier General Muhammad Zaheed Kamal.

CAAB director (ATM) Mohammad Shamsul Haque and Fire Service deputy director (Operation and Maintenance) Mohammad Mamunur Rashid signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.

Primary objective is ensuring rapid, coordinated search and rescue alongside firefighting operations during emergencies at airports and surrounding areas, following International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations. Both organizations will provide quick assistance during emergencies, conduct joint training programmes, exchange information and offer technical support.

Officials expressed hope the agreement will strengthen Bangladesh's aviation safety systems and positively impact upcoming international audits. Speakers emphasized on coordinated cooperation between agencies is crucial for ensuring safety and emergency services in civil aviation sector.

MoU aims to enhance capabilities for handling potential accidents, conducting rescue operations and firefighting at airport zones while maintaining international standards. Both organizations will work together to improve aviation safety through mutual support mechanisms.

Representatives from Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, Home Ministry, Fire Service officials and journalists from electronic and print media attended the signing ceremony held in Chairman's conference room at Level 6 of CAAB headquarters.

Agreement marks significant step towards strengthening emergency response infrastructure at Bangladesh’s airports through institutional collaboration between two key safety agencies.