CAAB Praises Unified Response to Bomb Threat at Dhaka Airport

CAAB Chair Air Vice Marshal Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan held a press conference on the false threat of placing a bomb at the airport this afternoon. Photo: CAAB

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) today praised the coordinated efforts of all security agencies involved in handling a false bomb threat aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). The swift response, which adhered to international protocols, ensured the safe evacuation of all 250 passengers and 13 crew members on board.

Air Vice Marshal Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, CAAB chairman, commended the seamless coordination among security agencies and highlighted that it demonstrates HSIA’s capability to effectively manage any future challenges. "This unified response showcases our readiness to tackle any situation successfully," he said during a media briefing at HSIA.

The chairman expressed his gratitude to various agencies, including Aviation Security, the Air Force, APBn, RAB, Police, Fire Service, Health Services, and Ansar, for their efficient handling of the situation. He also acknowledged the leadership of Group Captain Kamrul Islam, HSIA's Executive Director, who led the response, and Jahangir Hossain, the Director of Aviation Security, who served as the deputy on-scene commander.

Earlier this morning, a bomb threat was received via WhatsApp, claiming that 34 kilograms of explosives were aboard Biman flight BG-356 from Rome. The threat prompted an emergency landing at 9:20 AM, during which all passengers were safely evacuated and no explosives were found during subsequent searches. Group Captain Kamrul Islam confirmed that after a thorough inspection, no dangerous materials were discovered, and the search was called off at 12:30 PM local time.

Passengers were reunited with their baggage by 1:30 PM after completing immigration procedures, and the flight was cleared to resume its operations. The bomb threat had been sent to an Armed Police Battalion (APBn) duty officer’s WhatsApp number, with the sender claiming it was a warning rather than a direct threat. Attempts to contact the sender were unsuccessful, though communication continued via WhatsApp.

HSIA's response to the threat followed established protocols, activating the Threat and Risk Assessment Committee (TRAC) and Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), which ensured all relevant agencies were prepared. Once the aircraft landed, security forces, including the Bangladesh Air Force, Anti-Terrorism Unit, Task Force, and Quick Reaction Force, surrounded the aircraft to secure the area.

A comprehensive inspection by the Bangladesh Air Force Bomb Disposal Unit, along with specialized teams, including K-9 units from various police and security agencies, confirmed the absence of any explosives. The coordinated efforts of all agencies involved were key to managing the situation efficiently and ensuring the safety of everyone at the airport.