Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Sept 3, 2026 (BSS) - The Customs House, Dhaka has seized 9,331 grams or around 9.33 kilograms of gold from a Flydubai flight at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport yesterday. 

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) estimated the market value of the seized gold at around Tk 20 crore.

According to an NBR press release, Customs House, Dhaka received secret information at around 9:35 pm on Wednesday (September 2) that gold might be smuggled on Flydubai flight FZ523.

Acting on the information, customs officials stationed at the airport went to conduct a special search of the aircraft. The officials searched the passenger-less aircraft at around 9:40 pm in presence of representatives of various intelligence agencies.

During the search, the officials found some objects wrapped in black Scotch tape under seat 19A. They brought the objects to the customs hall and conducted an inventory in the presence of representatives of different agencies. The inventory revealed 80 gold bars.

The NBR said the total weight of the seized gold bars stood at 80 x 116.64 grams, or 9,331 grams. The authorities found the gold unattended.

According to the press release, smugglers had concealed the gold bars under the aircraft seat in a highly sophisticated manner to bring them into the country without paying the prescribed customs duties and taxes. 

A joint operation by Customs House, Dhaka and various intelligence agencies foiled the smuggling attempt.

The customs authorities stored the seized gold bars in the airport customs’ valuables warehouse. The process of depositing the gold with Bangladesh Bank as a precious metal is underway in accordance with the existing rules.

In this connection, a case was filed with the Airport Police.

The NBR said Customs House, Dhaka continues regular surveillance and drives to protect the country’s economy and prevent smuggling. 

Such operations will continue on the basis of intelligence information.