Dhaka: State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat today dismissed the allegations of baggage theft involving Hajj returnees as baseless, stating that investigations found no evidence of mishandling at Dhaka airport. 'The allegation of baggage theft on social media is found baseless,' he said at a press briefing at the Secretariat this morning.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Biman Bangladesh Airlines was instructed to conduct an immediate internal investigation after allegations surfaced on social media claiming luggage of passengers on special Hajj flights had been cut open and valuables stolen. Millat stated that airport authorities reviewed body-camera footage and submitted an investigation report within hours of receiving the complaint.
The investigation revealed that passengers verbally informed ground staff that 21 bags out of 836 pieces of luggage carried on the concerned flight were found torn or cut. However, examination of CCTV footage at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport found no evidence of mishandling or theft.
The state minister emphasized that international aviation regulations strictly prohibit carrying Zamzam water and improperly sealed cosmetic products in checked baggage. If such items are detected during screening, airport authorities are authorized to open or cut luggage and confiscate the prohibited items in accordance with international rules. He also noted that undeclared cash and wallets are not permitted in checked baggage under international regulations.
Millat expressed gratitude to the media for highlighting the issue, saying such reporting would help authorities remain more vigilant in the future. 'Criticism should be constructive,' he said, urging the media to uphold objectivity and professionalism in reporting as the fourth pillar of the state.
Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism stated on Wednesday that it remained committed to ensuring safe and smooth travel for Hajj pilgrims. The statement highlighted that Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) were working round the clock to ensure the safe return of passengers' belongings. It also mentioned that Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Afroz Khanam, currently abroad, sought details of the incident over the phone and thanked all concerned for taking prompt action in this regard.