Airport authorities take immediate action over passenger’s missing luggage complaint

The authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) have taken immediate measures following a passenger's allegation of missing belongings from his luggage upon arrival in Dhaka.

According to a press release, on 14 August, Md Sohag, a passenger on US-Bangla Airlines' inbound flight (BS-350) from Abu Dhabi, landed at HSIA at 5:20am. Around 9:15am, he was found crying at the International Arrival Terminal canopy-1 area, claiming that a power bank, charger, a gold chain, and a pair of earrings were stolen from his luggage.

Following the complaint, airport authorities reviewed CCTV footage and confirmed that "no items were lost or stolen from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport." 

They further clarified that Sohag's luggage, a paper carton, had its power bank removed as a security item at Abu Dhabi Airport and sealed with tape.

Verification regarding the other claimed items is "still ongoing through the airline authorities," officials added.

Authorities also pointed out that, under international aviation rules, passengers are discouraged from carrying jewellery or valuables in checked luggage. If such items must be carried, passengers are required to notify the airline in advance. In this case, the passenger "brought gold ornaments in his checked luggage without informing the airline, which is against regulations."

Later, the matter was placed before the executive magistrate court, where the magistrate instructed US-Bangla Airlines to accept the passenger's written complaint and forward it via email to its Abu Dhabi office. 

Following this directive, US-Bangla Airlines sent a detailed email to Abu Dhabi Airport and is currently awaiting a response.

HSIA authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring passenger safety, service quality, and swift resolution of complaints, the press release said.