HSIA ‘wrapping racket’; passengers fleeced before departure

Travellers departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) are facing systematic extortion from an unauthorised ‘wrapping racket’, with luggage forcibly wrapped and arbitrary payments demanded.

On Saturday, victims told the media they were approched by the syndicate members moments after their vehicles stopped, with workers starting the wrapping service without consent and quoting prices ranging from Tk 100 to Tk 500 per piece, according to local media reports.

One passenger described the helplessness, saying workers begin wrapping first and only then demand payment.

“They say Tk 250, Tk 500, Tk 300, Tk 200, Tk 100. Once they name the price, we have no choice but to pay. Tk 200 for one piece, two pieces total Tk 400,” he explained. Another traveller voiced frustration over the lack of consistency, noting that some are charged Tk 200 while others pay Tk 150 or Tk 100 at random.

The racket operates without any fixed pricing structure, with workers openly admitting the amounts are entirely discretionary. When approached, one crew member conceded the practice is improper, saying, “It is not a rule. You can get it done if you wish, or not if you don’t.” He added that if he stopped, someone else would simply step in.

Passengers under time pressure often give in to avoid delays or confrontation, effectively being caught between a rock and a hard place. Those who refuse or challenge the excessive charges reportedly face further harassment. Critics have raised serious questions about the role of airport authorities and law enforcement agencies, who remain on the scene yet turn a blind eye as the unauthorised syndicate continues to operate in plain sight.

Travellers are calling for tighter oversight to rein in the unchecked activity. With thousands of expatriates passing through the airport each day, the recurring ordeal adds both financial strain and unnecessary distress to overseas journeys even before departure.