Jamaat leader Maj (retd) Akhtar sued over 'will drag you out by the neck' threat at airport
According to the case statement, passengers of Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-338, which arrived from Medina at around 10:40am yesterday (1 October), faced a shortage of trolleys while collecting their luggage at baggage belt No 8.
A case has been filed against Jamaat-e-Islami leader Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman over alleged disorder, obstruction of official duties, assault, and threats at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport amid a dispute over a shortage of luggage trolleys.
Airport security officer Md Shahriar Alam Sajib filed the case with the Airport Police Station today (2 October). The case, numbered 6, was filed under Sections 186, 189, 294, 323, 352, 353, 504, and 506 of the Penal Code.
Airport Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kamrul Hasan Talukder confirmed the matter to The Business Standard. He said police are investigating the incident by reviewing CCTV footage and statements from eyewitnesses.
According to the case statement, passengers of Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-338, which arrived from Medina at around 10:40am yesterday (1 October), faced a shortage of trolleys while collecting their luggage at baggage belt No 8.
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The delay in collecting luggage reportedly led to anger and tension among the passengers. At the request of Dhaka-5 MP Mohammad Kamal Hossain, Airport Executive Director Group Captain SM Ragib Samad went to the scene to bring the situation under control.
The case statement alleges that when Ragib Samad tried to calm the situation, Akhtaruzzaman approached him aggressively and verbally abused him.
At one point, Akhtaruzzaman allegedly told the executive director, "I'll beat you up," and "I'll drag you out by the neck," according to the case statement.
He also allegedly issued threats. The case statement further alleges that several protocol assistants accompanying Akhtaruzzaman were recording videos on their mobile phones inside the airport's restricted or KPI area.
When security supervisor Warrant Officer Mohammad Kamal Uddin asked them to stop recording, Akhtaruzzaman allegedly behaved improperly towards him and verbally abused him.
He was also accused of physically assaulting the security officer. The case also alleges that Akhtaruzzaman threw away bottles of Zamzam water kept in passengers' trolleys, causing damage, and behaved aggressively towards a representative of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
The complainant alleged that the incidents obstructed government officials in carrying out their duties at a sensitive and restricted facility such as the airport while also creating a risk of disrupting normal order and security.
Police said they are collecting CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence to verify the allegations. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
