Govt dismisses viral Hajj luggage theft claim
An internal investigation found no evidence of widespread theft or mishandling.
ATT Correspondent 
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has dismissed a viral social media claim alleging that luggage belonging to Hajj pilgrims was cut open and valuables stolen at Dhaka airport, saying an internal investigation found no evidence of widespread theft or mishandling.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the ministry said it had taken note of a Facebook post claiming that around 150 pilgrims arriving from Saudi Arabia had their luggage cut open and gifts stolen after landing in Dhaka.
Following instructions from State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines launched an immediate internal investigation into the allegation.
According to the investigation report, Biman's special Hajj flight BG3104 arrived in Dhaka from Jeddah on June 2 carrying 491 pilgrims. The report said the claim that around 150 passengers had their luggage tampered with by airport personnel was "completely false".
The airline found that among 830 pieces of checked baggage carried on the flight, only five to six passengers verbally informed ground staff that their bags had been found torn or cut.
Discussions with the affected passengers revealed that the luggage contained Zamzam water, dates and cosmetic items such as shampoo and lotion. No reports of missing valuables were recorded, the investigation said. One passenger verbally mentioned that a packet of cigarettes was missing from his baggage.
Ground handling staff advised the passengers to file official complaints through a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport's Lost and Found desk. However, none of the passengers submitted written complaints before leaving the airport, according to the report.
The ministry noted that under Saudi Arabian regulations, passengers are not permitted to carry Zamzam water or improperly sealed liquid products inside checked baggage. Airport authorities in Saudi Arabia may open or cut luggage during security screening and remove prohibited items if such materials are detected.
It also said carrying cash or wallets in checked baggage without proper declaration is prohibited under international aviation regulations.
The ministry added that a review of CCTV footage from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport found no evidence of luggage mishandling or theft after the baggage arrived in Dhaka.
Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring safe and hassle-free travel for pilgrims, the ministry said both Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh continue to work to safeguard passengers and their belongings. It nevertheless expressed regret for any inconvenience experienced by travellers.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroz Khanam, currently abroad, was briefed on the matter by phone and thanked the relevant authorities for their swift response, the ministry said.
