Bomb Scare Delays Biman Flight to Kathmandu for Over Four Hours
A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Kathmandu was delayed for more than four and a half hours due to a bomb threat, before finally departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:00 PM on Friday, July 11. The information was confirmed by Biman’s Public Relations Officer ABM Rashed Kabir.
Earlier in the afternoon, Flight BG-373 was preparing for departure when an anonymous phone call warned that a bomb had been placed on board the aircraft. This prompted heightened security measures and created panic at the airport.
The flight was being piloted by Captain Abdur Rahman. Squadron Leader Md Mahmudul Hasan Masum, spokesperson for the Executive Director of the airport, stated that all 143 passengers, two pilots, and five crew members were safely evacuated. The Airport Armed Police’s bomb disposal unit, K-9 unit, and other security personnel conducted an extensive search of the aircraft. After nearly three hours of sweeping the plane, no explosives or suspicious objects were found.
Biman’s General Manager (Public Relations) ABM Rashed Kabir told reporters, “Flight BG-373 was scheduled to depart at 4:45 PM. But an anonymous caller informed us of a bomb threat on the flight just before takeoff. With utmost priority given to passenger safety, everyone was immediately disembarked and a thorough search began. Despite extensive efforts by the Air Force, RAB, and other security agencies, nothing was discovered. Boarding resumed shortly after 8:30 PM.”
He added, “Biman never compromises on safety and security—today’s incident is a clear testament to that. It has again proven that Biman Bangladesh Airlines always gives the highest priority to the safety and security of its passengers.”
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is taking the matter seriously. CAAB officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine who made the threat and with what intent.
