Aviation safety an investment, not an expense: PM’s defence adviser

Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam said on Wednesday that aviation safety should not be treated as an operational expense but as a vital investment in protecting human lives, safeguarding national assets and promoting economic progress.

“Safe aviation is not only about preventing accidents but also a key foundation for international connectivity, passenger confidence and sustainable development of the aviation sector,” he said while addressing the closing ceremony of a seminar at a city hotel.

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) jointly organised the three-day 8th International Flight Safety Seminar-2026 (IFSS-2026).

The adviser said modernisation of airports, terminals and air navigation systems was underway under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to transform Bangladesh into a major regional aviation hub.

To realise this ambition, he said, “Modern infrastructure must be complemented by internationally recognised safety standards, skilled manpower and effective coordination among relevant institutions.”

He stressed the need for modern technology, regular training, professional skill development and effective risk management. 

The adviser also called for stronger cooperation between military and civil aviation authorities and the promotion of a robust safety culture across the sector.

Speaking at the seminar, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan said flight safety was essential to protecting human lives and valuable assets, maintaining operational readiness and ensuring sustainable aviation development.

He emphasised safety awareness, professional discipline, timely decision-making and effective risk management in line with technological advancements.

Held under the theme “Technology, Training and Teamwork: Creating a Future-Ready Safety Mindset,” the seminar brought together military and civil aviation representatives from 21 countries.

Air force delegations attended from Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Morocco, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Kuwait, Russia, Sudan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zimbabwe.

For the first time, representatives of the civil aviation authorities of Malaysia, Nepal and Sri Lanka, along with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), also participated in the event, according to an ISPR release.

Representatives from various Bangladeshi defence, law enforcement and emergency response agencies, airlines, flying academies, educational institutions and relevant government ministries and organisations also took part in it.

During the seminar, local and international experts presented papers and exchanged views on technological advancements, human factors, safety management systems, training, teamwork and emerging aviation risks.

Participants also shared international experiences and best practices to strengthen flight safety, the ISPR added.