A dramatic incident unfolded at Dhaka Airport when a Bangladesh Biman flight to Kathmandu was delayed for hours over a false bomb threat—which was later found to be a plot by a mother trying to stop her married son from going abroad with his girlfriend, according to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Three Arrested in Connection with the Bomb Scare
At a press conference held on Saturday (12 July) in Karwan Bazar, RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman confirmed that three people had been arrested in relation to the hoax.
Why the Bomb Hoax Was Made
RAB revealed that a man named Imon was traveling to Nepal with his girlfriend, despite being married. When his mother and wife found out, they tried to stop him but failed.
Imon’s friend, Imran, then gave the idea that if they called Air Traffic Control and reported a bomb on the flight, the trip might be cancelled. Following that suggestion, Imon’s mother made the call to Dhaka airport, claiming there was a bomb on board.
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Flight Grounded, Full Search Carried Out
The incident happened on Friday afternoon just as Biman Bangladesh Airlines Flight BG-373 (a Boeing 737-800) was about to take off for Kathmandu. The aircraft was on the runway’s taxiway, carrying 142 passengers and 7 crew members, when Air Traffic Control received a bomb threat call from an unknown number.
Immediately, Bangladesh Air Force’s Task Force and Aviation Security (AVSEC) secured the plane. A bomb disposal unit, along with a sniffer dog team from APBn and RAB personnel, were called in to inspect the aircraft and passengers’ luggage.
After nearly 3 hours of intense search, no explosives or suspicious items were found. The inspection ended at 7:58 PM, and it was confirmed that the bomb threat was false.
RAB Calls the Incident “Shameful and Harmful”
RAB DG Shahidur Rahman said:
“This kind of action is shameful. It damages the country’s image and the reputation of our national airline. If such actions happen again, strict punishment will follow.”
He also added that RAB, the Army, and intelligence agencies worked overnight and arrested the three individuals involved.
Past Incidents and Public Warning
According to RAB, similar false bomb threats have happened in the past too. But in all those cases, no bombs were ever found. RAB has warned the public not to engage in such dangerous pranks, as they waste national resources, cause panic, and could lead to serious legal consequences
Source: TBS
