Summary:
- A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Rome to Dhaka received a bomb threat, prompting an emergency landing and thorough search at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
- The search operation, conducted by the bomb disposal unit, found no explosive devices or suspicious items on the aircraft, confirming the threat was a hoax.
- All 250 passengers and 13 crew members were safely evacuated and held in the terminal building during the security operation, causing significant disruption to airport operations.
- The incident highlights the challenges faced by aviation authorities in dealing with security threats and the importance of robust security protocols in ensuring passenger safety.
A bomb threat targeting a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Rome to Dhaka prompted an emergency landing and extensive search operation at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday. The threat, which turned out to be a hoax, caused significant disruption and heightened security measures.
The flight, BG-356, carrying 250 passengers and 13 crew members, made an emergency landing at 9:20 AM local time after airport authorities received a bomb threat from an unknown caller. “We received a bomb threat from an unknown number for Biman’s Rome-Dhaka flight,” said Group Captain Kamrul Islam, Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Upon landing, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated and escorted to the terminal building. The aircraft was immediately cordoned off, and a thorough search was conducted by the bomb disposal unit. The search operation, which lasted several hours, covered all areas of the plane, including seats, corridors, toilets, and the galley.
Airport sources confirmed that no explosive devices or suspicious items were found during the extensive search. “No bomb-like object was found in the Dhaka-bound Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Rome after it received a bomb threat,” reported a local news outlet.
The incident caused significant disruption to airport operations. Passenger immigration was delayed, and security measures were intensified throughout the airport. Authorities followed strict protocols to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
Bosra Islam, General Manager of Biman’s Public Relations Wing, stated, “The passengers and crew are all safe. It appears to be a hoax.” This sentiment was echoed by airport officials who deemed the threat a false alarm after completing their thorough investigation.
The origin of the threat remains under investigation. Some reports suggest that the call came from a Pakistani WhatsApp number, though this information has not been officially confirmed.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by aviation authorities in dealing with security threats, even when they turn out to be false alarms. It underscores the importance of robust security protocols and the ability of airport staff to respond swiftly to potential dangers.
As the situation returns to normal, authorities are likely to review their security procedures and continue their investigation into the source of the false threat. The incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required in aviation security to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Source: Daily Inqilab
