Biman's Kathmandu flight takes off after 5-hour delay as bomb threat creates panic at Dhaka airport

A Kathmandu-bound flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines took off after nearly 5-hour delay as authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) suspended it following a bomb threat from an unknown caller this afternoon.

The Biman flight finally left HSIA at 9:22pm after the completion of necessary security screening operation by airport officials at 7:58pm, during which no explosives or suspicious items were found, said a press release.

According to the release, security agencies operated with the highest level of caution from the onset of the incident, ensuring the safety of all passengers and staff.

Flight BG373, a Boeing 737-800 scheduled to depart for Kathmandu at 4:45pm, was moments away from takeoff when an unidentified source called in a warning claiming there was a bomb on board, according to a press release.

Following the alert, airport authorities immediately heightened security protocols.

According to ABM Rashed Kabir, general manager (PR) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the call came from an anonymous number at 4:26pm. At that time, the aircraft was taxiing with 142 passengers and seven crew members on board.

As a precaution, all passengers were safely disembarked from the aircraft and escorted to the terminal lounge after screening, the release said.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) took the threat seriously and implemented emergency measures as directed by its chairman. The Bangladesh Air Force Task Force, Aviation Security (AVSEC), and Armed Police Battalion (APBn) dog squad quickly established a security perimeter around the aircraft.

Bomb disposal units from the Air Force and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) also joined the operation to thoroughly inspect the aircraft and its luggage.

Though passengers were understandably alarmed, no injuries were reported, the press release added.