Allegations of misconduct by security personnel at Dhaka airport surface through viral video

A video shared on Facebook has sparked fresh controversy over alleged misconduct and security lapses at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

Zulkarnain Saer Khan, a UK-based Bangladeshi journalist and a member of Al Jazeera's Investigative Unit, posted a 7:11-minute-long video, with a caption criticising both Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

In the post shared yesterday (27 June), Saer claims that the two institutions are "incomplete without each other," pointing to a pattern of systemic failures.

Contacted, Executive Director of Dhaka airport Group Captain Ragib Samad dismissed the allegations as an attempt to destabilise.

He said, "All the incidents shown in the video are old. Even as old as before I took over as the airport ED. Perhaps there might be some motive to destabilise the situation."

The video reportedly shows airport security personnel misbehaving with passengers and their relatives, particularly in incidents occurring after 5 August 2024. 

Allegations include physical aggression, harassment of drivers, and even negligence, such as leaving firearms unattended.

The video also reportedly shows footage of three outsiders stealing luggage from the customs godown, raising serious questions about the airport's security protocols.

The video has since drawn significant attention on social media, prompting calls for investigation and accountability from the relevant authorities.