Government Moves to Separate CAAB’s Regulatory and Operational Functions.
Decision follows ICAO audit findings and aims to align Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector with global best practices.
The government has taken a policy decision to split the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) into two separate entities, one acting as an independent aviation regulator and the other responsible for airport management and air navigation services. The decision was formally communicated to CAAB through an official letter issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
Currently, CAAB performs both regulatory and operational roles, overseeing aviation safety and security while also managing airports and providing air navigation services. This dual responsibility has long raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest. An audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) strongly recommended separating these functions to ensure transparent and effective regulatory oversight.
The move also reflects findings of a government committee formed after the fire at the import cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in October last year. Officials said necessary laws and regulations would be enacted and amended soon, noting that the restructuring would help Bangladesh meet its international aviation obligations and improve safety, efficiency, and service quality across the civil aviation sector.
