An aerodrome operator at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has been accused of masterminding a major human trafficking network that allegedly used airport channels, airline staff and immigration police to send Bangladeshis abroad illegally through dangerous routes to Italy.
Abdul Bari Mollah, an employee of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), is currently posted at Dhaka’s main international airport and is accused of running a “body contract” trafficking syndicate from within the airport, according to an investigation now underway by the aviation authority.
The network allegedly sent people to Italy by sea via Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas, then through Qatar or Egypt and Syria. In other cases, migrants were allegedly routed through India or Sri Lanka, then Dubai, Qatar or Egypt, and Syria before attempting to reach Italy by boat.
The allegations surfaced after more than 20 Bangladeshis recently died in the Mediterranean Sea while trying to reach Italy, prompting authorities to launch a wider crackdown. The Prime Minister’s Office also instructed relevant agencies to investigate the matter, according to the report.
CAAB Member (Administration) and Additional Secretary SM Lablur Rahman confirmed the investigation.
“We are investigating the issue involving Bari Mollah. We will take action based on whatever comes out in the investigation,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
When asked about allegations that Mollah was trying to influence the probe through outside officials, Rahman said such efforts would not affect the investigation.
“There is no place for criminals in CAAB and there will never be. We have always maintained zero tolerance on these issues and will continue to do so,” he said.
According to findings cited in the report, investigators first uncovered evidence on September 10 last year after four illegal passengers were offloaded through immigration police. Surveillance later found evidence that passengers were being sent abroad through fraudulent means.
Investigators said most migrants first traveled to Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas before moving through Qatar or Egypt and Syria en route to Italy by sea. Others allegedly traveled through India or Sri Lanka, then Dubai, Qatar or Egypt, and Syria before boarding boats to Italy.
Using his airport access and alleged links with airline staff and immigration police, Mollah reportedly sent 15 to 20 people abroad every week. On October 21 last year alone, he allegedly sent as many as 30 people overseas.
Investigators said Md Alal, Sakhawat — identified as Mollah’s nephew — and Aminul Islam Kaykobad, owner of Shifa Air Travels, were among those who allegedly arranged tickets and visas. Immigration police officers working different shifts allegedly cleared passengers in exchange for money and completed immigration procedures.
On March 30 this year, the Aviation Security Force conducted a covert operation at the airport and detained five people attempting to travel abroad illegally. The operation led to a nine-hour search that investigators said exposed the full network.
Mollah was questioned at the airport’s tower building, where he allegedly hid his Android phone in a pantry room after detecting the presence of intelligence officials. Investigators later reviewed CCTV footage, recovered the phone and seized it.
Investigators said the phone contained evidence showing passports, tickets and code numbers were sent to immigration police, travel agencies, Air India officials and passengers. Records of conversations were also found.
Mollah initially denied involvement but later admitted he would not engage in such illegal activities in the future during further questioning, according to investigators.
Repeated attempts to contact Mollah for comment were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.
The report identified Biman Bangladesh Airlines, IndiGo, Saudia, Air India, Jazeera Airways and SalamAir as airlines allegedly linked to the trafficking operation through some of their employees. Investigators said they found evidence of ties between Mollah and airline workers, including alleged financial transactions. Senior officials at IndiGo were also informed, according to the report.
Biman spokesperson Boshra Islam said the airline was aware of the issue and maintained strict oversight of airport staff.
“That is why we post our most honest employees there,” she told Dhaka Tribune.
“We keep those assigned at the counters under strict monitoring. After issuing boarding passes, we also check during immigration and even until passengers board the aircraft.”
She added that such incidents had declined significantly.
“Biman Bangladesh never tolerates such activities. If we find proof of anyone’s involvement, they lose their job,” she said.
Investigators also said Mollah directly coordinated with immigration police by providing passenger codes and making payments. Evidence of financial transactions involving immigration officers was also found.
The probe found that Mollah acted as an airport representative for trafficking syndicates based in Dhaka, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Bagha and Rajshahi, serving as a gateway for multiple networks.
Officials involved in the investigation said exemplary punishment was needed.
“It is completely unacceptable for someone employed at the airport to be involved in criminal activities such as human trafficking,” one official said.
An immigration police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said authorities had already begun identifying those involved.
“We are working seriously on the matter. Steps have already begun to identify and take action against those responsible,” the official said.
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Executive Director SM Ragib Samad acknowledged that trafficking attempts have occurred through the airport.
“We see passengers being deported and sent back from different countries,” he said.
“Airlines transport passengers. There are separate agencies responsible for checking documents. If they approve them, passengers board the aircraft. We are also examining whether any employees were involved.”