Govt urges media to verify social media reports before publication

The government on Thursday dismissed allegations of widespread theft from Hajj pilgrims' luggage at Dhaka airport, describing a viral social media post on the issue as misleading and unsupported by evidence.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Department of Information at the Bangladesh Secretariat, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said an internal investigation conducted by Biman Bangladesh Airlines found no evidence of theft or mishandling of passengers' baggage.

The briefing was organised following a viral Facebook post claiming that valuables and gifts had been stolen from the luggage of returning Hajj pilgrims.

The state minister said the ministry immediately instructed Biman Bangladesh Airlines to investigate the matter after the allegations surfaced online.

"Airport authorities reviewed body-camera footage and submitted an investigation report within a few hours. The findings did not support the allegations circulated on social media," he said.

According to the investigation, 21 pieces of luggage out of a total of 836 bags carried on the flight were found torn or cut. However, no evidence was found that valuables had been stolen from passengers' baggage.

Millat explained that under international aviation regulations, pilgrims and other passengers are not allowed to carry Zamzam water or unsealed liquid items in checked luggage. Such items may be removed by airport authorities if detected during baggage screening.

"If prohibited items are identified during scanning, airport authorities may open or cut luggage to remove them in accordance with aviation regulations," he said.

He also noted that undeclared cash and wallets are prohibited in checked baggage under international rules.

The minister said a review of CCTV footage from Dhaka airport found no indication of baggage theft or mishandling by airport personnel.

Referring to the role of the media, Millat thanked journalists for helping separate fact from fiction and counter misinformation spread through social media platforms.

"Today, the independence of the media is reflected in your work. Constructive criticism helps us improve services and become more accountable," he said.

The state minister urged journalists to verify information before publication and continue promoting objective and fact-based reporting.

"You will find that the allegations circulated yesterday were not accurate. As the fourth pillar of the state, the media has a responsibility to present factual information," he said.

He added that the government remains committed to improving aviation services and ensuring safe, secure and comfortable travel for passengers, including Hajj pilgrims.

The ministry said efforts to enhance service quality and strengthen passenger protection would continue across all aviation facilities in the country.