Civil Aviation Law
Amendment draft goes to cabinet today
Amendment draft
Special Correspondent
Fifty-six years after the Civil Aviation Law was enacted, the government is going to amend it, stipulating a minimum five years in jail or a minimum fine of Tk. 1 crore for a pilot or the person responsible who takes risks while flying dangerously. The amended law also allows for rigorous imprisonment for a maximum of seven years and a fine of Tk. 2 crore for anyone intentionally violating the airspace of the country. As per the existing law, risky flying is punishable by one year in prison and a fine of Tk. 5,000. The civil aviation and tourism ministry has prepared a proposal to amend the Act. It would be placed at the Cabinet
meeting today, seeking its final approval. Civil aviation and tourism minister Rashed Khan Menon told The Independent that they are amending the law to ensure Bangladesh conforms to international standards, especially those of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
It would be an epoch-making law, he said. On February 29 last year, the Cabinet had approved the amended law in principle.
Sources said the inspector of the civil aviation authority can inspect the flight operation activities of different foreign airlines under the proposed law. The law proposes to give assistance and compensation to the victims and his or her family members involved in any plane accident.
There are four airlines: the flag carrier, Bangladesh Biman Airlines Limited, and three other private operatorsUS Bangla Airlines Limited, Novo Air and Regent Airlines Limited.
Besides, there are at least 26 foreign airlines that regularly operate flights. On the other hand, there are currently 12 helicopter services in the country.
