Hijacking takes place in many countries in the world. Hijacking includes air hijacking, sea hijacking and land hijacking that pose significant threats to public safety and security worldwide. The hijacking of EgyptAir Flight 181 in 2016, the hijacking of the MV Mozart off the coast of Nigeria in 2021 and the hijacking of a train in Malaysia in 2017 are some recent examples. According to multiple sources including the BBC and CNN, hijacking is on the rise in the world. The hijacking of passenger planes and aircraft, ships, buses, or trains leads to the death and endangerment of many lives, travel disruption and long-lasting psychological effects on survivors and their families. But the rising hijacking leads to concerns in many countries.
There are security-based and other factors of hijacking that can vary from country to country. Hijackings are often driven by a lack of security, political or ideological motivations and the intention to exert control over a particular situation. For instance, the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999 — by Kashmiri separatists — was politically motivated, aiming to secure the release of the separatists imprisoned in India. Additionally, socioeconomic grievances, the desire for economic gains and personal grievances are notable causes of hijacking. Socio-economic disparities that create a ground where individuals or groups feel marginalized, desperate, or motivated to resort to hijacking and seeking ransom as a means of survival, expressing their grievances, or achieving their objectives lead to many hijackings including the hijacking of buses and small-scale transports in many countries. Among others, political instability facilitates hijacking in different countries.
Diverse steps are definitely taken nationally and internationally to address the hijacking of different transports in different countries but they vary depending on their specific circumstances and security requirements. For instance, different countries implement strict airport security protocols, including thorough passenger screenings and baggage checks, to prevent unauthorized individuals from boarding planes and reduce the risk. Additionally, there are strong security measures in different countries that address the hijacking of trains, buses and other transports. Among others, international collaborations and intelligence sharing between different countries have improved to identify potential threats and track suspicious hijacking activities globally. But there are flaws in the steps taken including inadequate security measures in different countries.
Steps need to be strengthened to address hijacking in many countries. Implementing strict security measures and enhancing surveillance systems including conducting thorough background checks on passengers and crew members and installing advanced screening technologies at transportation hubs are definitely crucial to help identify potential threats and reduce hijacking. But training flight crew and staff on emergency protocols and response strategies as well as the drivers and operators of trains and buses are also vital to help them effectively handle hijacking situations. Among others, encouraging public awareness through campaigns may help passengers deal with hijacking situations better and save lives many times.
But it is also crucial to establish clear communication channels with law enforcement agencies to ensure a swift and coordinated response in case of a hijacking incident. There is often a delay in detecting and responding to hijacking incidents — allowing hijackers to cause substantial damage before any action is taken. Mitigating conflicts may be helpful in reducing hijackings. But addressing grievances including economic is also vital to reduce the risk of the occurrences of hijacking many times in different countries.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
