Dhaka, Feb 24 (UNB) – Foiling his alleged bid to hijack a Biman Bangladesh Airlines aircraft, members of joint forces arrested a passenger at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram on Sunday evening.
The suspected hijacker was overpowered and arrested during an eight-minute combing operation that began around 7:17pm, said Air Vice Marshal M Naim Hassan, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) while briefing reporters at his office.
He also said they heard that a firearm was recovered from his possession.
The CAAB chairman said a probe committee will be formed comprising 3-4 members to look into how the passenger had been able to take the gun into the aircraft dodging security arrangements at the airport.
He also said the Chattogram airport which was closed due to the incident resumed its operation around 8pm. The flight will also depart for its destination, Dubai, he said.
Asked whether the suspected hijacker is a foreigner, Naim Hassan said he spoke Bangla.
A joint team of the para-commando wing of Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Air Force, Rapid Action Battalion and police conducted a drive at the aircraft and held the suspected passenger who was also injured in the operation, said Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Mafidur Rahman while briefing reporters at the Chattogram airport.
A crewmember who was reportedly held hostage by the man was also rescued.
Earlier, all the 142 passengers and pilots of the Dubai-bound flight from Dhaka were evacuated from the aircraft safely, said Shakil Miraj, Biman general manager (Public Relations).
He said the Dubai-bound flight took off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after 5pm and it made the landing at the Chattogram airport around 5:40pm.
Biman Manager (PR) Tasmin Akhter said the flight made the emergency landing suspecting a passenger to be a hijacker.
Later, members of Rab, Army, Air Force and police cordoned off the aircraft.
Meanwhile, officer-in-charge of Patenga Police Station in Chattogram Abul Quashem said two bullets were fired in the aircraft.
Contacted, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told UNB around 7:10pm that they were still not clear what actually happened in the aircraft.
Earlier, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Mohibul Haque told UNB all the passengers were evacuated from the aircraft following the suspicious behaviour of a passenger.
He also said two crew members were talking to the suspected man.
