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On a tense, sunlit morning at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat stood before journalists with a clear message: don’t believe everything you see online. The occasion was the Airport Emergency Exercise (Fire)-2026, a large-scale mock drill designed to test how quickly and effectively the airport could respond to a catastrophic aviation incident. But the minister’s words went beyond the exercise itself, touching on a growing problem that has been troubling travelers and airport staff alike—the circulation of old, misleading videos on social media. According to Millat, these videos are being deliberately reused to create a false impression that passengers are being harassed at the airport. “Old videos are being used to spread misinformation about passenger harassment at the airport,” he told reporters, his tone measured but firm. He urged everyone to be cautious about unverified content, reminding the public that not everything shared online reflects reality. The minister’s remarks came in response to a wave of social media posts that have fueled confusion and anxiety among travelers, many of whom were unsure whether the airport was safe, welcoming, or fair. By addressing the issue directly, Millat hoped to reassure the public that the airport’s current management is committed to transparency, accountability, and the comfort of every passenger who walks through its gates. His presence at the emergency exercise, however, signaled that his priorities were not just about fighting misinformation—they were also about preparing for worst-case scenarios, because in aviation, a moment of negligence can cost lives.
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One particular rumor that has been spreading online involves female passengers allegedly being asked to produce marriage certificates at the airport. The claim, which has caused understandable outrage and concern, was categorically denied by the minister. “No such incident had taken place,” Millat said, adding that misinterpretations and false narratives are being attached to the airport’s daily operations. He acknowledged that while every airport has rules and security checks, none of them include demanding personal documents unrelated to travel, such as marriage certificates. The minister’s denial was not just a bureaucratic correction; it was an appeal for common sense and patience in an age when a single misleading clip can spiral into a national controversy within hours. He urged travelers and social media users alike to verify facts before sharing them, warning that misinformation creates unnecessary panic and damages the reputation of institutions that are working hard to improve. “Misinformation is being spread about the airport,” he repeated, reinforcing the urgency of the situation. The minister also used the opportunity to remind the public that the airport is a place of protocol, where rules are applied equally and with due process. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, he insisted that the current authorities are dedicated to addressing genuine grievances, not ignoring them. His comments seemed designed to strike a balance: acknowledging the public’s right to raise concerns while pushing back against baseless allegations that could undermine trust in the country’s main international gateway.
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Beyond the misinformation battle, Millat also addressed practical issues that passengers have been complaining about, particularly the availability of trolleys at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Travelers have often voiced frustration about a shortage of luggage carts, especially during peak hours, and the minister acknowledged the concern by providing concrete numbers. Currently, around 4,000 trolleys are in service, he said, with an additional 10,000 trolleys ready for use when the airport’s much-anticipated Third Terminal becomes fully operational. This news was meant to demonstrate that the airport is not sitting idle in the face of public criticism, but rather planning ahead for higher passenger volumes and smoother travel experiences. Millat’s response also touched on a deeper issue: the behavior of airport officials. When asked about allegations of non-cooperation from some staff members, the minister did not brush the matter aside. He revealed that the government is actively looking into these reports and taking action where necessary. In a candid moment, he noted that many employees had been aligned with the previous regime, which he described as having fascist leanings. “They would not cooperate with the current government,” he said, explaining why some passengers may have faced bureaucratic resistance or unhelpful attitudes. However, he assured the public that vigilance is ongoing, and that responsible officials will be rewarded while those who fail in their duties will face consequences. The minister’s acknowledgment of internal challenges signaled a willingness to confront institutional resistance, a step that many travelers have been waiting for.
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At the heart of Millat’s address was an unwavering commitment to aviation safety, a principle he emphasized with almost solemn intensity. “Our goal must be: zero compromise on aviation safety,” he declared, setting the tone for the day’s emergency drill. The minister elaborated that passengers’ lives and safety depend on the preparedness and competence of the agencies responsible for responding to emergencies. He made it clear that there would be no tolerance for negligence in performing duties, whether by firefighters, medical teams, air traffic controllers, or security personnel. His words were not just directed at the participants of the exercise; they were a warning to everyone working at the airport. Millat also stressed the importance of faster emergency responses, coordinated rescue operations, and equal enforcement of security protocols. In aviation, he noted, there is no alternative to safety, preparedness, and swift decision-making. A delayed response, a miscommunication, or a lapse in judgment can have devastating consequences, and the minister’s tone reflected the gravity of that reality. He emphasized that all relevant agencies must remain prepared to respond immediately to any emergency, with passenger safety receiving the highest priority. He also indicated that regular and realistic exercises would help strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve coordination among agencies. By tying the drill to a broader culture of accountability, Millat hoped to foster an environment where every official understands that their role is not just a job, but a responsibility to protect lives.
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The emergency exercise itself was a dramatic and realistic simulation, designed to test every aspect of the airport’s crisis management system. According to the scenario, a passenger aircraft arriving from Bangkok was carrying 98 passengers and five crew members when it encountered serious technical trouble shortly before landing. The pilot reported to the Air Traffic Control tower that the right engine had caught fire and that a technical fault had developed in the aircraft’s control panel, making it difficult to manage the plane’s systems. The ATC tower immediately declared an emergency and alerted the airport executive director along with all relevant emergency service agencies. What followed was a highly coordinated response to a terrifying situation. During the simulated emergency landing, the aircraft failed to maintain the runway centreline and veered dangerously off course. Moving at high speed, the plane crossed Taxiway Sierra before coming to a halt on the southern side of the runway. Almost immediately, a fire broke out beneath the aircraft and spread quickly, enveloping the fuselage in smoke and flames. This was the moment of truth for the airport’s emergency crews. Firefighters, rescue teams, medical personnel, law enforcement officers, and ATC specialists all swung into action, engaging in coordinated firefighting, rescue, first aid, and evacuation operations. The drill demonstrated the airport’s emergency preparedness and its ability to respond rapidly to a crisis, while also highlighting areas where coordination could be improved. For the spectators and officials watching, the exercise was a powerful reminder of the chaos and danger that can unfold when a routine flight turns into a nightmare.
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The event was chaired by Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, who echoed the minister’s sentiments about the importance of regular training and realistic drills. He emphasized that effective coordination among agencies is essential for ensuring safe aviation operations, and that exercises like this one help assess the professional skills of personnel, the effectiveness of emergency equipment, and the ability of agencies to mount a unified response. HSIA Executive Director Group Captain S M Ragib Samad delivered the welcome address, while Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhter and senior officials from relevant agencies were also in attendance. The presence of such high-ranking officials underscored the seriousness with which the government is treating aviation safety and passenger welfare. For Millat, the day’s events were about more than just a drill or a press conference; they were about rebuilding public trust in an institution that has faced its fair share of criticism. By openly addressing misinformation, acknowledging internal shortcomings, and demonstrating a commitment to safety, he aimed to present a government that is listening, responding, and acting. The minister thanked the media for their coverage and urged them to help spread accurate information, warning that irresponsible reporting can be as harmful as the misinformation itself. As the exercise came to a close and the smoke from the simulated fire cleared, the message was unmistakable: the airport is serious about protecting every life that passes through it, and no amount of rumors, old videos, or political resistance will change that commitment. For passengers, that is the reassurance they needed to hear.