Nineteen Kilogrammes of Gold Seized on Dubai Flight

A joint enforcement operation at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka has resulted in the seizure of approximately 19 kilogrammes of gold bars from a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight arriving from Dubai. The recovered gold is estimated to have a market value of around Tk450 million, making it one of the significant recent gold seizures at the country’s busiest international gateway.

The gold was recovered on Thursday morning from Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-148, which had travelled from Dubai. The airport’s Executive Director, SM Ragib Samad, confirmed the operation and said the contraband was discovered during a search of the aircraft’s cargo hold.

According to him, officials initially recovered 160 gold bars concealed inside the cargo compartment. The seizure was made during a coordinated operation conducted by a joint team comprising intelligence agencies, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate, and customs authorities.

Officials have not yet disclosed whether anyone has been detained in connection with the incident. No formal announcement has been made regarding possible suspects or whether the seizure was linked to a wider smuggling network.

Investigators are now examining how the gold was placed inside the aircraft’s cargo hold before its arrival in Dhaka. They are also working to establish the origin of the consignment, determine the intended recipients, and identify any individuals or organised groups involved in the alleged smuggling attempt.

Dubai remains one of the busiest international routes for passengers and cargo travelling to Bangladesh, and authorities have previously intercepted attempts to smuggle undeclared gold through both passenger luggage and aircraft compartments. Gold is frequently targeted by smuggling networks because of its high value and the substantial profit that can be made by avoiding import duties and taxes.

Law enforcement agencies regularly carry out intelligence-led operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to prevent the illegal movement of gold, foreign currency and other prohibited goods. Officials say such coordinated efforts are aimed at protecting government revenue and disrupting organised smuggling syndicates operating through international air routes.

The investigation into Thursday’s seizure remains ongoing, with authorities expected to determine how the gold entered the aircraft and whether additional individuals were involved before deciding on any further legal action.