DHAKA, June 3, 2026 (BSS) - Biman Bangladesh Airlines today dismissed 
allegations circulating on social media that luggage belonging to around 150 
Hajj pilgrims was cut open and valuables stolen, saying an internal 
investigation found no evidence to support the claim.

According to an investigation report prepared by Biman's Airport Services 
Division, the allegation emerged after a Facebook post claimed that baggage 
of pilgrims arriving on special Hajj Flight BG 3104 from Jeddah on June 2 had 
been tampered with and valuables stolen.

The flight carried 419 pilgrims and arrived in Dhaka on June 2.

Following the allegation, Biman authorities directed the ground handling team 
to conduct an immediate investigation as the issue involved the reputation of 
the national flag carrier and airport operations.

The report said security footage, baggage handling records, body-worn camera 
footage and official logbooks were reviewed as part of the investigation.

According to the findings, the aircraft recorded chocks-on at 2:52am, while 
the first baggage was delivered to passengers at 3:05am. All 836 pieces of 
baggage were delivered within 59 minutes.

The report said baggage was transported from the aircraft to the delivery 
area under security supervision and unloaded in the presence of Airport 
Security (AVSEC) personnel.

Investigators found no evidence supporting the claim that luggage belonging 
to 150 passengers had been cut open.

Instead, only five to six passengers verbally informed ground staff that 
their bags appeared torn or damaged upon receipt.

The report noted that approximately 21 bags were received by handling staff 
in already damaged condition, based on reviews of CCTV and body-worn camera 
footage.

According to discussions with affected passengers, the damaged bags mainly 
contained Zamzam water, toiletries and dates. No passenger formally reported 
the loss of valuables, although one traveller verbally mentioned a missing 
wallet.

Ground handling staff advised affected passengers to file official Property 
Irregularity Reports (PIR) through the airport's Lost and Found Desk. 
However, none of the passengers submitted a formal written complaint before 
leaving the airport, the report added.

Biman said the investigation also reviewed relevant IATA regulations and 
security procedures of Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation 
(GACA).

The airlines said that according to Saudi Arabian regulations, no Hajj 
pilgrim or passenger is permitted under any circumstances to carry Zamzam 
water or improperly sealed liquid toiletries such as shampoo and lotion 
inside checked baggage.
 
If the presence of such prohibited liquid items is detected during baggage 
screening at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi airport 
security authorities may, in accordance with regulations, open or cut the 
baggage and confiscate the prohibited items.
 
Under international aviation regulations, carrying cash money or wallets 
inside checked baggage is strictly prohibited. Keeping such items in checked 
luggage without proper declaration is a violation of aviation rules.

Biman said a detailed assessment was carried out to verify the allegations 
and ensure transparency in baggage handling operations.