Zia International Airport
C. J. Kabir Mohammadpur, Dhaka
This refers to a letter published on April 15, 2005 by Angela Robinson on her experience at ZIA. After going through likewise miserable plight myself on two recent occasions, I could not agree more with the views expressed. The current system deprives an arriving passenger from shaking hands with visitors, even after checking out from immigration and customs. Payment of Tk 50 entrance fee by a visitor for entering the concourse hall is no guarantee for meeting his or her loved ones across the 'Tiger cages' built all around. The current practice of jumping up and down behind the glass panes, and peering through two layers of glass is exactly the option you are left with.My suggestion on receiving an international passenger at ZIA is - don't do it, unless you want to make a fool of yourself. There is no way to coordinate a visual contact, shake hands and arrange planned transportation away from the area. The difficulties are compounded if you do not personally know the passenger. People holding printed signs for welcoming unknown business associates are required to do even more jumping. Don't count on the international departure area of ZIA to be any better. It is even worse with another stroke of genius by the authorities in planning the layout. I would advise Ms. Angela to see-off her UK friend right at home. Don't bother driving to the so-called modern airport, where you will find no departure lounge, or area, that could be used in conformity with tradition and social custom all over the world, to say good-bye to the departing passengers. All you could do, is drop your friend at the curb, as quickly as possible, and speed away. The stone-faced guards will allow you no more than a minute for accommodating the next passenger's vehicle. You are not welcome there to see your friend off.
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