18kg gold seized from Biman cargo toilet at Shahjalal Airport

A total of 153 gold bars were recovered from the toilet of a cargo compartment of a Biman Bangladesh Airlines aircraft at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

Each gold bar weighs 116 grams, bringing the total weight to 17 kilograms and 784 grams. The estimated market value of the recovered gold is around Tk 38 crore.

The gold bars were seized during a joint operation conducted on Saturday night (March 28) by intelligence agencies and members of Aviation Security (AVSEC). The information was disclosed in a press release on Sunday (March 29).

According to the statement, Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-348, which arrived from Dubai, landed at the airport at around 9:00 pm on Saturday. Based on intelligence inputs, the aircraft had been kept under close surveillance even before landing. After touchdown, a joint team led by AVSEC carried out a thorough search operation.

During the operation, the cargo hold of the aircraft was meticulously searched. At one stage, 153 gold bars, wrapped in white cloth, were found concealed inside a panel in the cargo hold toilet.

Authorities have already launched a detailed investigation to identify those involved in the incident. Anti-smuggling operations will continue as part of efforts to strengthen airport security and protect national assets.