Panic spread after two grenade-like objects were found inside a flower bed beside the main gate of Shah Makhdum Airport in Rajshahi on Tuesday.
A passerby spotted the objects around 11am and alerted police. The airport's main gate was temporarily closed for security reasons, with passengers directed to use an alternative mosque gate.
The objects were later defused by a bomb disposal unit in an open field in Pakuria area of Paba upazila.
According to police, the passerby spotted the objects inside a flower bed on the left side of the airport's main gate and informed Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Palash, who was in charge of the Romeo-81 patrol vehicle of the Baya Police Outpost under Airport Police Station.
ASI Palash immediately informed the officer-in-charge of Airport Police Station. Police and airport authorities rushed to the scene and tightened security.
The airport's main gate was closed, and the mosque gate was opened as an alternative entrance and exit for passengers, triggering panic among those arriving at the airport.
Members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), responsible for security at the main gate, also took up alert positions. Police said three armed APBn members were on duty there at the time.
However, it was not immediately clear who had left the objects at the site.
Meanwhile, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku was inside the airport's VIP lounge when the incident occurred.
He arrived in Rajshahi on a flight at 10:50am while travelling from Dhaka to Bogra, making a stop in Rajshahi.
After news of the suspicious objects spread, authorities also considered his security. Police informed him about the situation and escorted him out through the airport's rear gate instead of the main entrance.
He then left for Bogra by road.
Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Md Gaziur Rahman said police quickly reached the scene after receiving reports of two grenade-like objects near the airport's main gate.
Necessary measures were taken in coordination with airport authorities and security personnel. The main gate was temporarily closed, and alternative access was arranged to ensure the safety of passengers and the public.
The objects were later defused by the bomb disposal unit in an open field in Pakuria area of Paba upazila.
He added that the actual identity of the objects would be confirmed after examination.
Police are investigating who left the objects near the airport and why.
