Biman rejects hajj luggage theft claim

Published : Thursday, 4 June, 2026 at 10:28 AM Count : 41

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has dismissed allegations that luggage belonging to around 150 Hajj pilgrims was cut open and valuables stolen, saying an internal investigation found no evidence to support the claim.

According to an investigation report prepared by Biman's Airport Services Division, the allegation emerged after a Facebook post claimed that baggage of pilgrims arriving on special Hajj Flight BG 3104 from Jeddah on June 2 had been tampered with and valuables stolen.

The flight carried 419 pilgrims and arrived in Dhaka on June 2.

Several passengers who reported that they found their luggage cut told Biman officials that they had packed Zamzam water and liquid cosmetic products in their checked baggage.

The national flag carrier said Saudi regulations strictly prohibit carrying Zamzam water inside checked luggage and also restrict improperly sealed liquid items. As a result, Saudi airport security authorities might have cut open luggage during screening and confiscated such prohibited items.

According to the report, the luggage was transported from the aircraft to the baggage delivery area under direct security supervision, with Airport Security Authority personnel present throughout the process.

Biman reviewed footage from body-worn cameras used by ground handling staff as well as CCTV recordings from the runway and sorting areas. The footage showed that the around 21 damaged bags were already in that condition when they were received by handling staff from the aircraft.

The airline further stated that there was no clear evidence supporting the claim that 150 passengers had their luggage cut. In reality, only five to six passengers verbally informed ground staff that they had received torn or damaged bags.

Officials said the affected passengers reported carrying Zamzam water, dates, shampoos and lotions in their luggage. No valuable items were reported missing, although one passenger verbally mentioned that a wallet was missing from a bag.

Ground handling staff advised the passengers to file formal complaints at the airport's Lost and Found Desk. However, none of the passengers submitted written complaints before leaving the airport.

Biman also reiterated that international aviation regulations prohibit passengers from placing cash or wallets inside checked baggage. Carrying such items without proper declaration violates aviation rules and security protocols.

It said damaged luggage was likely linked to enforcement of Saudi airport security regulations rather than any theft occurring at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.