VIP lounge usage policy of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is not being adhered to; people without priority are entering the airport.
Though rule states that two persons should enter, additional people are going inside with VIPs.
Strict order has been given to the civil aviation authority to effectively implement the rules of VIP lounge usage.
On Nov 22, 2015, the then civil aviation and tourism minister, Rashed Khan Menon, said in parliament that several VIPs in the country flout the rules at the airport.
On Dec 27, the same year, he attracted the attention of the PM over the matter and on Dec 28, issued a government directive restricting companion number to one person.
The security of the Hazrat Shahjalal Airport came under question several times with civil aviation authority often facing awkward situations when VIP’s prevent full checking, disregard licenced weapons carrying rules and refuse to cooperate.
Sources say that on May 29, an order, signed by joint secretary, Shafiul Azim, was issued and sent to all ministries and secretaries. The directive specifically mentions that during departure and arrival of VIPs, only two persons will be permitted in the VIP lounge.
Reportedly, in recent times, there have been incidences when people without priority have been seen inside the lounge.
Priority people will be able to use the lounge to bid goodbye to or receive relatives like father, mother, son or daughter, daughter in law or son in law etc.