Bangladesh’s aviation community has voiced concern over the government’s plan to strip the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) of key regulatory powers through the proposed Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance–2025, warning it could undermine flight safety and international compliance.

The draft ordinance, now open for public opinion, transfers critical decision-making powers from CAAB to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, a move industry experts describe as bureaucratic overreach that could paralyze swift action in technical and safety-related matters.

CAAB, in its formal submission to the ministry, cautioned that several provisions in the proposed law would directly undermine the agency’s operational independence and delay crucial safety directives, which are currently aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

Under the existing 2017 Civil Aviation Act, the CAAB chairman can issue or amend aviation safety orders and directives independently, enabling timely implementation of ICAO’s recommendations within strict international deadlines.

The new draft, however, requires compliance with Article 14(a) of the Rules of Business, which contains no specific timeframe, raising fears of bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Such delays could prevent Bangladesh from meeting ICAO’s prescribed deadlines, putting the country at risk of being flagged as a state of ‘Significant Safety Concern’, CAAB warned, adding that such a classification would be a major blow to the country’s aviation credibility.

The agency further argued that the existing framework already ensures aviation safety, passenger protection, and regulatory compliance, urging the government to retain Section 14 of the 2017 Act intact.

CAAB observation noted that the chairman’s existing authority allows fast, expert-led decisions “consistent with international norms,” whereas the proposed ordinance would replace professional oversight with bureaucratic dependency.

The proposed ordinance also introduces overlapping provisions concerning travel agencies and ground service operators, which CAAB says could create “legal conflict and confusion” since both areas are already regulated under existing legislation.

Perhaps more troubling, CAAB pointed out, is the absence of clear guidelines for monitoring foreign airlines operating in Bangladesh. At present, international carriers are required to appoint 100% locally owned General Sales Agents (GSAs), a policy that generates local employment, builds technical expertise, and preserves foreign exchange.

The draft ordinance, however, would allow foreign airlines to open their own offices or hire multiple GSAs, effectively weakening the government’s ability to monitor their operations. Without proper oversight, regulatory control and accountability will become increasingly difficult,” CAAB warned.

Industry analysts and former aviation officials have urged the ministry to rethink and redraft the law with proper consultation from technical experts, warning that hasty approval could invite “regulatory chaos” and damage Bangladesh’s reputation in the global aviation community.