CAAB holds workshop to enhance journalists’ aviation knowledge
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) on Monday organised a workshop titled “Civil Aviation & Air Traffic Operation” to enhance the technical knowledge and practical understanding of journalists covering the country’s aviation sector.
The workshop, arranged by the Public Relations Department of CAAB, was held at the authority’s headquarters in Kurmitola, Dhaka, with journalists from various print, electronic and online media participating.
Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, Chairman of CAAB, attended the programme as the chief guest.
Addressing the participants, CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq stressed the importance of specialised knowledge in reporting on the aviation sector.
“Civil aviation is a highly technical and public-interest sector. Accurate, balanced and responsible reporting requires subject-based knowledge and verified information,” he said.
He noted that the workshop aimed to provide journalists with a practical understanding of airport management, air traffic management, aviation security, passenger services and other technical aspects of civil aviation to support informed reporting.
The chairman also underscored the media’s role as a bridge between the public and state institutions, saying that proper verification of information and understanding of technical issues are particularly important in a sensitive sector like aviation.
He added that CAAB plans to organise similar workshops regularly on aviation operations, security and other specialised topics to further strengthen media understanding of the sector.
In his keynote presentation, Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan, Member (Operations and Planning), outlined the roles and responsibilities of the Civil Aviation Authority, airport management, airside and landside operations, passenger services and aviation security measures.
He also highlighted the importance of modern air traffic management and adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) to ensure safe and efficient air navigation.
Speaking at the workshop, CAAB Member (Administration) Mohammad Lablur Rahman detailed the initiatives undertaken to improve services for Hajj pilgrims. These included waiving embarkation, passenger security and airport development fees, distributing Zamzam water, providing separate prayer facilities, safe drinking water, washrooms, hand sanitizers, trolleys, seating arrangements, queue management systems, mosquito control measures and infrastructure improvements.
He said these initiatives were implemented to make pilgrims’ journeys safer, smoother and more comfortable.
CAAB Member (Air Traffic Management) Air Commodore Md. Noor-e-Alam, delivered a separate presentation on air traffic operations. He explained the functions of Air Traffic Control (ATC), Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM), radio and navigation aids, different categories of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), aeronautical lighting, Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS), airfield orientation, aircraft operations and emergency response procedures.
During interactive sessions, participating journalists raised questions on airport management, aviation safety, air traffic operations, passenger services, international standards and other contemporary aviation issues. The CAAB chairman and other senior officials responded to the queries and exchanged views with the participants.
At the end of the programme, certificates were distributed among the participating journalists. Senior officials of the Civil Aviation Authority were also present.