Police have intensified their investigation after about 18 kg of gold was recovered from the toilet of a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight arriving from Dubai.
A letter has been sent to the managing director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines seeking detailed information on all passengers, including pilots, cabin crew, technical staff, cleaning staff and others, in an effort to identify the smuggling ring. Authorities are also collecting CCTV footage from inside the aircraft, as well as videos of the boarding bridge and runway area.
Airport Police Inspector (Investigation) Abul Qayum, the investigation officer of the case, confirmed the development to Dhaka Tribune on Thursday afternoon, saying investigators are working to determine how the gold ended up in the aircraft toilet, who brought the consignment, its origin and those involved.
He said the letter requested full identity details, addresses, national ID numbers and biodata of the aircraft’s pilots and cabin crew. Information has also been sought regarding technical mechanics, helpers and cleaning staff associated with the aircraft. Passenger lists, passport numbers and travel information are also being collected.
“All pilots, crew members and passengers have been summoned. We are compiling complete information and video footage. If the footage is recovered, it will provide significant leads by showing their movements,” he said.
He added that once all necessary information is available, identifying members of the smuggling ring would be easier.
According to airport police, Biman flight BG-348 departed Dubai at 9:08 pm on March 28 and landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. After docking at the C-02 boarding bridge, a search of the aircraft led to the recovery of a large quantity of gold from the toilet.
Following the incident, customs authorities filed a case with the airport police station.