18kg Gold Seized from Biman Cargo Compartment Toilet

Security officials at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport seized 153 gold bars weighing approximately 17.9 kilograms from a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight arriving from Dubai on Saturday night, March 28. The haul, with an estimated market value of 38 crore BDT, was discovered hidden inside a toilet panel within the aircraft's cargo compartment following a coordinated tip-off.

A joint task force comprising Aviation Security (AVSEC) and intelligence agencies conducted an extensive search of the aircraft immediately after its landing. The gold bars were found wrapped in white cloth and concealed behind the paneling of the cargo area's lavatory. Although the contraband has been handed over to airport customs and a formal case is currently being filed at the local police station, no arrests have been made as of Sunday morning.

Intelligence officials suspect the involvement of an international smuggling syndicate capable of bypassing standard security protocols at the point of origin. Investigations are now underway to identify any ground staff or crew members who may have facilitated the transport of such a large quantity of gold.

This seizure follows a series of recent high-profile smuggling attempts at the national gateway, prompting authorities to further escalate surveillance on Middle Eastern routes.