A devastating fire at the cargo house of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) not only destroyed most stored goods but also raised serious suspicions of theft from the strong room vault, where valuables and sensitive items-including imported firearms-were kept.
Although the fire reportedly spared the vault itself, sources say the lock was broken, suggesting that some high-value items and documents may have been stolen.
The strong room normally stores gold, diamonds, firearms, and important commercial papers, all protected under multi-layered security and multiple authorisation requirements.
On October 28, Biman Bangladesh Airlines filed a General Diary (GD) with the Airport Police Station after discovering the lock had been cut. Lock-cutting tools were recovered, and police have collected evidence from the scene.
Sub-Inspector SM Mainul Islam, leading the investigation, said CCTV footage was destroyed in the fire, complicating the probe. "We have collected several items, including firearms, and are verifying them against inventory documents. We are also interrogating suspects. Further details will be known once the investigation is complete," he said.
According to the GD, the vault inventory had been completed just days earlier, on October 24, under the supervision of customs and security officials. The vault was last inspected on October 27, but the following morning it was found unlocked.
Airport authorities described the incident as a well-planned theft, possibly orchestrated by an organised group.
Officer-in-Charge Taslima Akhter confirmed suspicions that firearms may be missing but stressed that verification against documentation is ongoing.
While most valuables reportedly survived the fire, the exact extent of missing items will only be confirmed after cross-checking past and current inventories.
Meanwhile, a government probe committee has been formed, and the Airport Police are conducting a parallel investigation.
