The government has taken a policy decision to separate the regulatory and operational functions of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), officials said.
CAAB was formally informed of the decision through a letter issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on Tuesday.
At present, CAAB performs dual roles: it regulates civil aviation safety and security while also operating airports and providing air navigation services. This structure has long drawn criticism for creating potential conflicts of interest in regulatory oversight.
The need for separation was highlighted in an audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which recommended that CAAB’s regulatory and operational responsibilities be placed under distinct entities. A similar recommendation was made by a government committee led by a senior secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, formed to investigate the fire at the import cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on 18 October last year.
In line with these findings, the government has decided in principle to establish two separate bodies—one to function as an independent aviation regulator and the other to operate airports and manage air navigation services.
Officials said the necessary laws and regulations would be enacted or amended in the near future to facilitate the creation of a new authority responsible for airport operations and air navigation.
They added that the move is expected to strengthen regulatory independence, improve safety oversight, and help Bangladesh meet its international aviation obligations, while enhancing the overall quality, safety, and efficiency of civil aviation services.